San Marcos CISD Breaks Ground On New Elementary School

The new elementary school began construction this week, representing the community’s effort in working together.

Written by Louis Zylka

On Monday, July 23, the official groundbreaking of the new school, Rodriguez Elementary, was held on the east side of San Marcos, located in the Trace Developmentand near Posey Rd and I-35p.  

Andrew Fernandez, executive producer of communications, said the city needed a new elementary school in the district to serve a growing community. He said the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District surveyed all of San Marcos and visited various sites to find the perfect location.

According to the 2014 census data, San Marcos was listed as the fastest growing city in America, and it continues to grow to this day. Clementine Cantu, president of the SMCISD Board of Trustees, said the school board wanted to create an elementary school to help with the enrollment growth in the community’s school district.

“We felt this area was better on the east side because that is where most of the city’s growth is,” Cantu said. “In order to prepare for (the growing population) and alleviate the overcrowding in the schools, we decided that a new elementary school was a necessary.”

Kash Greathouse, principal for Rodriguez Elementary, said the school will be a great addition to the community. He said the name of the elementary was voted upon by options sent to the school board.

“The board all decided that instead of it being one name, that they incorporate all names and label (the school) as Rodriguez Elementary,” Greathouse said.

Cantu said the area where school is being built was a gift from TRACE Development; Rodriquez Elementary will be the seventh elementary school in San Marcos. The construction has been made possible by donations from the city.

“We’re really excited about building this new school because it is going to have some very aggressive and innovative academic space,” Cantu said. “Instead of just building regular classrooms, we wanted it to be a great learning environment for our students.”

Fernandez said a number of committees contributed in bringing this project to life, including the San Marcos’ Chamber of Commerce and Education Foundation. With the school’s design by Perkins & Will, and its construction by Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, the project represents Hays County working together as a community.

Greathouse said this school will be a place to incorporate innovation, technology and learning. He said it will be the first school people with see entering San Marcos, making the city’s first impression for visitors or new residents. 

“This elementary school will be a great addition to the community,” Greathouse said. “It will be a place where friendships are found; fears are lost, and hope is made.”

While the construction has been underway for the past few weeks, the school’s estimated date of completion is set for summer 2019.