Houston ISD approves rebuild of 4 Harvey-damaged schools
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Four Houston ISD elementary schools heavily damaged by Hurricane Harvey's flood waters will undergo a total rebuild. The HISD Board of Trustees voted on the plan Thursday night that includes demolishing the elementary schools and rebuilding on the same site.
It's been a challenging year for HISD. After Hurricane Harvey students didn't return to class until Sept. 11. Schools with more significant damage were delayed opening even longer.
While students have settled into temporary campuses, the board is looking to what's next. They will rebuild four elementary schools including Braeburn, Scarborough, Kolter and Mitchell. The buildings not only have severe damage, but need elevation raised to prevent future flooding.
The cost to replace the schools is estimated to be around $126 million. It would be funded by operations reserves and TIRZ funds. If approved, construction would be completed by 2020 at the earliest.
