New Elementary Schools to Bring a New Beginning in Big Spring 8/7/12

Shelley Childers
CBS 7 News
schilders@cbs7.com
August 7, 2012

BIG SPRING, TX - It was a tour of grand openings Tuesday that had the entire community on their feet.

This fall every single elementary school student in Big Spring ISD will be walking onto a new campus.

It's an investment that comes after a long journey through failing education scores and failed bond measures.

"If you build it, they will come," said Big Spring ISD Superintendent Steven Saldivar.

Hundreds of families and residents walked through the brand new doors of Marcy Elementary School Tuesday.

Marcy along with Moss, Washington and Goliad Elementary Schools were completely rebuilt after voters passed a $60 million bond in 2010, a bond that originally failed in 2008.

"We're so proud of the Big Spring school district and to everyone who made this a reality," said Shelia Abusaab.

Abusaab, a former BISD teacher says the new buildings have even inspired her to teach again.

"I'm wishing I could come back and teach."

"I had a teacher tell me, it's almost like we're not in Big Spring anymore," said Saldivar.

Not only is it the lure of new desks, new classrooms, and new facilities, but each elementary school has been outfitted with the latest technology, a wireless campus, mobi-devices that eliminate the chalk board and overhead projectors.

"To engage students you have to stay up with technology and so we've made a huge investment of about $2 million," said Saldivar.

And for the school district that has been struggling to meet Texas Education Agency standards they hope this is the beginning of a turn-around.

"I think it's going to make a huge difference.”

Saldivar says he knows the students will all understand the community investment in education and their future.

"To have something to look forward to, it's going to add that extra motivator."

There is still construction being done outside all four schools involving pavement and landscaping, but that will be complete by the start of school.

All four schools will be open on the first day of school, August 27th.