Board approves O’Connell Robertson as architect for High School No. 6

The Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve O’Connell Robertson as the architect of the district’s sixth comprehensive high school at its April 21 regular meeting.

The $11 million funding for the architecture contract will be drawn from Bond 2008 surplus funds.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of Round Rock ISD and prepare for future growth within our community,” Board President Paul J. Tisch said. “Our Board is focused on growing the district in a manner that is respectful and responsible to the taxpayers. We are eager to continue providing outstanding learning opportunities for all students as we plan for future generations of learners.”

Initial planning for the campus will begin this summer. A steering committee, consisting of district staff, site-based staff, parents, students and community members, will be formed during the 2016-2017 school year to participate in the initial planning and design of the campus.

“As we continue to adopt innovation as a district and give families more choices within Round Rock ISD, we know our community still wants traditional, comprehensive schools,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Flores said. “We will need a sixth high school to meet the needs of our community’s growth and the desire to have smaller high school learning communities. The Board action was indicative of our proactive approach to facilities planning as a leadership team. Our public schools of choice, like Early College High School, give students unique learning opportunities and allow us to manage the future need for a seventh comprehensive high school.”

Round Rock ISD has a strong relationship with O’Connell Robertson, who most recently designed Success High School and has served in multiple partnership roles. The Austin-based architectural and engineering firm partners with Westwood High School, where more than half of the firm’s employees regularly participate in school activities, serving as campus volunteers, mentors, job shadowing and intern hosts.

O’Connell Robertson President Amy Jones said the company is excited for the opportunity to continue work with Round Rock ISD.

“O’Connell Robertson is proud of the past work we’ve done with Round Rock ISD,” Jones said. “The O’Connell Robertson-DLR Group Team looks forward to collaborating with Round Rock ISD to create this innovative new high school that supports the district’s academic goals and is sure to become a nationally recognized destination for students.”