Superintendent Dr. Tom Trigg addresses the Dallas City Plan Commission on May 5.

Plans for the construction of HPISD's first new elementary school since 1948 are continuing to proceed on schedule. Yesterday, the Dallas City Plan Commission unanimously approved HPISD's request for a zoning change on property adjacent to Northway Christian Church. The next step is receiving approval from the Dallas City Council.

 

"Receiving unanimous approval from the Plan Commission is a major step toward being able to stay on schedule in building the new school," said HPISD Superintendent Dr. Tom Trigg. "We are grateful to the Plan Commission, Dallas city staff and the estimated 100 neighbors, parents and community leaders who came to Dallas City Hall yesterday to show their support for the new school."

 

The school is being designed to accommodate 770 students. It will feature an outdoor classroom and flexible learning spaces for small and large group instruction. The latest plans for the school can be found online at www.hpisd.org/Facilities, which will be continue to be updated.

 

Dr. Trigg acknowledged that neighbors close to the property are concerned about its size but also pledged to continue working with them to make sure the school is compatible with the neighborhood.

 

"We are committed to being good neighbors," said Dr. Trigg. "The district has made several accommodations, including agreeing not to have lights on the playing field, as good faith efforts with the neighbors. We will continue to be sensitive to their concerns as we move forward to build the best school possible for our students."

 

The Dallas City Council may consider the zoning request by the end of this month. If approved, construction will begin this summer with a planned opening for the school in August 2017.