Legacy Elementary is expected to be move-in ready for students and staff by fall 2025.
UVALDE, Texas — It’s been almost three years since Uvalde was devastated by tragedy and now the community is another step closer toward completing construction of a new school that honors the 21 lives lost at Robb Elementary.
On Tuesday, the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation alongside representatives of numerous donors came together, marking a milestone of fully funding Legacy Elementary.
Organizations responsible for the combined investment of $21 million included Chase, Empowerment Reinvestment Fund, National Community Investment Fund and Nonprofit Finance Fund.
According to the foundation, the investments were made possible through New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs), which is a federal program with the goal of encouraging investments in underserved areas nationwide.
“At Chase, supporting impactful projects such as Legacy Elementary School through New Markets Tax Credit equity is at the heart of our mission and we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation,” said Melissa Pillars, executive director of the New Markets Tax Credit team. “Making the New Markets Tax Credit permanent is crucial for sustaining support for transformative projects like this, ensuring that communities continue to thrive and grow. We eagerly anticipate the day when the building becomes a nurturing space that fosters learning and community spirit for its students.”
The Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation was formed just months after the mass shooting at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022, when a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers.
The foundation’s executive director Tim Miller expressed his gratitude for everyone involved in securing the funding for Legacy Elementary.
“Getting to the point of being within six months of the campus being ready for use has been quite a feat that would not have been possible without the support of so many funders and supporters,” Miller said. “We are asking that more people join us on this journey of hope and healing for the Uvalde community and support our “Hope Blooms in Uvalde” campaign through which we are still working toward meeting a $5 million match challenge.”
Uvalde CISD Superintendent Ashely Chohlis and donors took part in a guided tour inside the under-construction elementary school.
The school will accommodate about 800 students, feature nine-foot tall privacy gates, keyless entry points and a steel tree fit with 21 branches to honor the Robb Elementary victims.
“This beautiful new school, it’s like the phoenix comes through the fire,” Chohlis said. “It memorializes our 21 lives that we lost, our beautiful 21 angels and to see everyone work together in love has been emotional, it has been a blessing.”
The superintendent stressed the value of seeking input from victims’ loved ones during this years-long project.
“There is a community committee that has worked on this building since its inception over the last 36 months and they continue to be a part of the design and development to make everything come together toward the end,” Chohlis said.
Donations are still being accepted through the Uvalde CISD Moving Forward Foundation, which will go toward purchasing furniture, equipment and making repairs.
Legacy Elementary is expected to be move-in ready for students and staff by the fall.