New Uvalde elementary school project receives $1 million donation as construction gets underway

SAN ANTONIO — Onsite construction is underway as of this month on a new Uvalde elementary school planned in the wake of the May 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary shooting. 

Construction of the still-unnamed new school is expected to cost at least $51 million and officials touted vast security upgrades, including nine-foot-tall gates, keyless entry points and an access road that makes it specifically easier for first responders to get to the school. It will also have an air-conditioned gm and two playgrounds, include one for children with special needs.

Though a groundbreaking event was held in October, ongoing construction was delayed so that the Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation, which led planning and fundraising for the school, could consider all contractor bids. The foundation decided to go with San Antonio-based Satterfield & Pontikes, which has developed buildings for both universities and public schools.

Construction officially began March 4, according to the foundation.  

While the foundation says it’s only raised about 68% of the money needed for the project as of Monday, it also announced a newly received a $1 million donation courtesy of Texas businessman John Nau III. Initial donations totaling $10 million kicked off fundraising efforts for the new school, plans for which were approved by Uvalde CISD trustees in April 2023. 

About $20 million is still needed to “fully fund the construction of the new school.” 

Construction on the school, which will replace Robb Elementary, is expected to take 18 months. Tim Miller, executive director of Uvalde Moving Forward, says they’re aiming to reach the finish line in September 2025. 

Nineteen students and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary when a gunman came onto campus in May 2022. Loved ones of victims are still seeking accountability from responding law enforcement agencies nearly two years later. 

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