Two of Tomball ISD’s 2017 bond program projects set to open in August (Source: Houston Chronicle)

By Alvaro Montano

Numerous projects in Tomball Independent School District’s $275 million bond program from 2017 are on schedule despite previous delays and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two of the developments, an elementary school and an agricultural science project center for Tomball High School, are set to open this August in time for the 2020-21 school year.

Tomball ISD Superintendent Martha Salazar-Zamora said this is the first time the district has partnered with Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) and she is pleased with the partnership. LAN is a consulting firm that does consulting for planning, engineering and program management.

“Together I believe that we have been able to see our projects come to completion,” Salazar-Zamora said. “Not all of course, because Bond 2017 had multiple within it, but we are excited about where we are with the projects that we will need for the starting of this coming school year.”

Salazar-Zamora and vice president of LAN, JP Grom, were able to visit the new Grand Oaks Elementary School, she said, and the Tomball board of trustees is scheduled to take separate tours of the facility as well.

“It was exciting, obviously we have a little bit more before it’s ready for students, but it is on target for completion and we’re certainly looking forward to it,” Salazar-Zamora said. “As a fast-growth school district, it’s important that we have additional facilities for our students. Particularly during a time of pandemic where we are going to have requirements of additional space needed.”