AUSTIN — A new chapter in education was celebrated in North Austin with the grand opening of Wooten Elementary School, marking the first fully modernized campus built through the 2022 bond initiative for the Austin Independent School District (AISD). The event was held on Friday and featured performances from a mariachi band and a student choir, as well as a video recalling the memories of the previous 70-year-old campus.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Principal Nicholas Martinez expressed the strength of the community, stating, “Our community remains strong, stronger than ever.” Excitement was palpable among the students, with fourth grader Amaia describing the new facility as “beautiful, gorgeous, awesome, pretty cool.”
The state-of-the-art school replaces an outdated building that dates back to 1955, which suffered from issues like leaking roofs. The impressive new structure includes modern amenities such as an audio/visual system, a library, a playground, and versatile classroom seating options. Fifth grader Victoria shared her enthusiasm, saying, “The furniture is great, my teachers are great, I love it.” Her mother, Chia Berry, echoed this sentiment as she remarked on the significant improvements, noting the ample natural light flooding the new spaces.
Wooten Elementary is the first of 25 AISD schools set to receive modernization funded by the $2.5 billion bond approved by voters. According to AISD officials, the last modernized campus funded by this initiative, Travis Early College High School, is expected to open in late 2028.
Assistant Principal Marta Sanchez highlighted the improved community functionality of the new building, especially with a movable partition between the gym and cafeteria, allowing greater flexibility for gatherings. This development brings a sense of hope amid challenges the district faces as it implements difficult decisions to close multiple schools in an effort to manage a multi-million dollar deficit. Over $41 million from the bond will be allocated toward the ten closed schools, as the district strives to balance its budget.
Reflecting on these changes, Bernardo Martinez, who worked at Wooten for 26 years before retiring in the 1980s, acknowledged the inevitable sadness that comes with closing campuses but remained optimistic about the futures of students in newly improved facilities.
The celebration of Wooten Elementary School signifies not just the end of an era for an old building, but the beginning of a brighter educational environment for the community, reaffirming the importance of investment in public education.