Photo courtesy of Satterfield & Pontikes Construction
The Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation recently announced it received a $1 million donation as construction for a new Uvalde elementary school has started.
Construction is under way on a new Uvalde elementary school in the aftermath of the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School.
A ground breaking event was held in October 2023, however, ongoing construction was delayed so that the Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation could consider all contractor bids. The foundation eventually selected San Antonio-based Satterfield & Pontikes, which has developed buildings for both universities and public schools.
Photo courtesy of Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation
"It's humbling that you're taking on something that carries so much weight," said John Marshall, chief revenue officer of Satterfield & Pontikes, at the event. "When it can help with the healing and the bringing together of a community that's been through what this community has, it's really special."
Construction of the still-unnamed new school is expected to cost at least $51 million. Officials are touting vast security upgrades, including nine-ft.-tall gates, keyless entry points and an access road that makes it specifically easier for first responders to get to the school. It also will have an air-conditioned gym and two playgrounds, including one for children with special needs.
Construction officially began March 4, according to the foundation.
"The significance of the school is to help the community here in Uvalde to move forward from the tragedy — to build healing, to build hope and to have a school here on this site that will be here for decades to come," said Tim Miller, executive director of the Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation.
Donation
The Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation announced a $1 million gift from John L. Nau III and Silver Eagle Beverages on March 26. All of the funds go directly toward building a new elementary school in the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (Uvalde CISD) following the tragedy at Robb Elementary School.
"I am proud to support this effort to build a new school in Uvalde," said John L. Nau III, chairman/CEO of Silver Eagle Beverages. "As a business member of the Uvalde community, Silver Eagle Beverages is proud to support this important effort that impacts our local employees and their families and the many children and families of Uvalde."
Photo courtesy of Satterfield & Pontikes Construction
The check presentation happened at the construction site of the new elementary school where construction began. Representatives from Silver Eagle Beverages, Satterfield & Pontikes Construction and Congressman Tony Gonzales' office joined the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation for the presentation.
"We are greatly humbled by the support from Mr. Nau and Silver Eagle Beverages," said Miller. "Their support demonstrates their true care for Texas and Texans."
Construction of the new elementary school in Uvalde CISD broke ground during a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 28 at the site of the new school. To date, the Foundation has raised 68 percent of the funds needed to build the new school. Donations are still needed; people interested in donating can still do so at the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation website: uvaldecisdmovingforward.org/donate-now.
According to reports, approximately $20 million is still needed to "fully fund the construction of the new school."
Construction on the school, which will replace Robb Elementary, is expected to take 18 months.
Nineteen students and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary when a gunman came onto campus in May 2022.
About Uvalde Moving Foward Foundation
The Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation was created in the wake of the tragedy at Robb Elementary School through gifts from grocery chain, H-E-B, and the Butt family totaling $10 million. Huckabee Inc. donated its services, becoming a founding partner. Beginning in fall 2022, the Foundation began working with the Uvalde CISD Community Advisory Committee to develop the plans for the new elementary school. Those plans were approved by the Uvalde CISD Board of Trustees in April 2023.
Photo courtesy of Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation
Rendering of the new building
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