SAN ANTONIO — The Uvalde foundation leading planning efforts for a new school to replace Robb Elementary hoped to officially begin construction in November, but a start date is now up in the air as it considers additional bids "to ensure the best possible cost of construction."
A groundbreaking event for the still-unnamed new school – budgeted at $60 million and expected to feature vast security upgrades – was held at the end of October, when the Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation still hadn't officially signed a contractor. Now that isn't expected to happen until 2024, when the foundation will receive and consider the details of a second construction firm's bid.
According to the foundation, the budget for the new elementary school couldn't afford the initial contractor, whose bid cost $70 million.
"Once the analysis is complete, we will finalize the plans to complete the necessary remaining fundraising to begin construction," the foundation said in a statement.
Representatives of the foundation said they received input from local families, including some who lost children in the May 2022 massacre at Robb, when designing safety features at the new campus. They include nine-foot-tall privacy gates, keyless entry points and a specific road that would create an easier access point for first responders.
The school will also have an air-conditioned gym and two playgrounds, including one for children with special needs.
"I would just say to the Uvalde community: Thank you for your patience," said Tim Miller, executive director of the Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation. "We are definitely wanting to get this school built as soon as possible for the best price possible."
Officials say construction is expected to take about 18 months when it begins, meaning the school likely won't be ready to service students until the 2025-26 school year at the earliest.
For those interested in helping with fundraising efforts, click here to make a donation. The foundation is still looking to secure about $16 million of the $60 million needed to build the school.
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