Funded by the 2021 bond, this project is part of a larger effort to modernize the historic campus, which dates back to the 1960s. Members of the Joeris Construction team explained the details of the project to the group as they toured the building with NBISD leadership and the planning and construction team.

“This tour really opened up a lot of insight to what is going on and it was very cool to see,” said NBHS Junior Luke Dolch. “It’s also really cool to see that they are bringing lots of the old stuff from our current campus and incorporating it into the new building!”

For these student leaders, the tour was an opportunity to see firsthand how bond dollars are being put to use to enhance their educational experience. Many shared their enthusiasm about the improvements, noting how the natural light and open design would create a more inviting atmosphere for learning.

“It was really nice to see the career centers. I am in the welding program right now and the shop we have right now, we don’t have much space,” said Alejandra Gomez-De La O, who is a junior. “I saw the new shop that they’re making and it’s super spacious and looks like it will have everything that we will need. I also really like all of the windows they have integrated into the building.”

The students also noticed the curb appeal that the building boasts with large windows and rock along the building.

“It’s just really cool to see how far it has come in such little time, and it’s really going to be an upgrade,” sophomore Cheston Kell said. Kell also is involved in welding and CTE programs.

As construction continues, Phase 1 represents just the beginning of the transformation. Some of the students who went on the tour will soon be among the first to learn and grow in these newly designed spaces.

The specs of Phase 1 include a new 3-story academic wing, new Career and Technical Education learning spaces, relocation of the JROTC facility, tennis courts, a practice field and more.

Emel Moreau is a senior and although she won’t get to spend any time in the new building as a student, she still enjoys seeing what the future holds for this campus.

“I’m really excited for the future generations of students here to be able to utilize this building,” she said. “Being a part of this committee has been a privilege and it’s been really nice to see kind of the inside workings of all of this.”

Being members of the NBISD Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee has really helped some of the students to understand how NBISD operates, and it has helped allow students to voice their opinions. There are also members from Long Creek High School who will also get a tour of their campus construction later this year.

“The tour really answered a lot of the questions that I had and being part of this committee has been very helpful,” Dolch added. “Us as students getting to be kind of the voice of the school is really beneficial because it allows us to give the school board and district leadership a view from the students’ perspective.”