Some San Antonio ISD schools are starting the new year with some much needed renovations and upgrades, and returning students may not recognize their school.
Japhet Elementary looks like a brand-new school even though it's one of the older ones in the city.
It took roughly $17 million to renovate it. The upgrades include art and music labs, along with science and computer labs. The school also received safety and security upgrades. Each classroom has a high-tech projector.
The principal says the additions were designed to help inspire creativity and learning.
"It's part of the 21st century. It's part of the technology," said Natasha Gould, the school's principal. "They have to be prepared. They have to know how to use the technology. Having those two labs, having the LCD projector, is preparing our students to be college ready."
Sarah King Elementary school also got some upgrades -- in reality, a whole new school. The old building was torn down and rebuilt.
The district combined Brewer Elementary school with King, which is now high-tech with computer labs and a brand-new art room.
Five other elementary schools in the district received similar upgrades. Lanier High School now has a career education building and upgraded athletic facilities.
