Spring Branch ISD Featured News

SBISD leads the way in building innovative learning spaces and shaping community

December 5, 2024 10:00 AM

Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) is setting the standard in creating transformative learning environments that benefit both students and the broader community.

Memorial High School's (MHS) addition, which was recently highlighted during a national tour at the EDSpaces Conference, exemplifies how thoughtful educational design can support student success while also engaging the surrounding neighborhood.

Funded by SBISD's 2017 Bond Program, the four-story, 161,249-square-foot addition replaced outdated infrastructure from the 1963 campus, significantly reducing long-term maintenance costs and ensuring that district resources are used efficiently. SBISD's bond planning process takes a data-driven approach, factoring in key elements like maintenance costs, enrollment projections, facility assessments, and future needs. This approach allows the district to prioritize projects that deliver the most substantial and lasting impact.

“We’re incredibly proud that the Memorial High School Addition is being showcased at the EDSpaces Conference,” said Travis Stanford, SBISD’s Associate Superintendent of Operations. “It’s such an honor for this project to be recognized, especially since it represents so much more than just a physical building. The Memorial High School Addition reflects years of careful planning and collaboration, and it truly supports our district’s vision of providing transformative, flexible learning spaces for all of our students."

Stanford continued, "The success of this project was made possible by taking a comprehensive, district-wide approach to planning. From the outset, we developed a Master Plan for the entire Memorial HS site. This allowed us to utilize 2017 Bond dollars strategically, while also considering how we could accommodate future growth and building replacements. Having a clear roadmap ensures that our investments are sustainable and focused on long-term success.”

The MHS addition is a direct response to a thorough facility assessment, which highlighted the need for a more modern, flexible learning environment. The building includes 28 classrooms, 21 science labs, and a state-of-the-art dining area, all designed to support a variety of learning styles. It also features a central atrium, modern staircases, and collaborative spaces that promote creativity, teamwork, and student engagement—critical elements of SBISD’s commitment to preparing students for the future.

“What really sets this facility planning project apart is that it was approached with long-term vision,” Stanford noted. “Through the Master Plan, we were able to ensure that current and future needs were taken into account, from classroom sizes to spaces for collaboration. The design provides flexibility, making it a perfect fit for both today and tomorrow's educational needs.”

Mark Jackson, Principal at Stantec Architects and project manager for the MHS addition, spoke during the EDSpaces Conference tour about the project's community impact: “This addition is more than just a building; it’s become an integral part of the community. The spaces are designed to support both students and the broader needs of the community. It’s a perfect example of how schools can nurture both learning and community engagement.”

Since opening, the new spaces at MHS have hosted community events, including SBISD’s Destination Success Career Discovery Day. This district-hosted event brought together local businesses, career representatives, and families to explore career opportunities and educational pathways. These gatherings highlight the school's role as a vital community hub and underscore the district’s commitment to Career and Technical Education as a key focus of its T-2-4 vision.

Principal Lisa Weir emphasized how the new addition has fostered a “college-like” atmosphere, with open, flexible learning spaces that encourage collaboration among students. "This building is a game-changer for teaching and learning, but it’s also a place where the community can come together," she said. "It’s not just a great space for students—it benefits everyone in the SBISD family."

SBISD's commitment to world-class learning environments continues with the ongoing 2022 Bond Program. Replacement of the district’s central Career and Technical Education (CTE) facility, the Guthrie Center, is underway, along with renovations to the Ag Science Center. These efforts will further enhance SBISD’s ability to provide premier learning opportunities while strengthening community connections to district facilities.

Stanford expressed pride in the district’s recognition by the EDSpaces team: “We’re honored that the MHS addition is being showcased alongside other projects like Awty International School and Energy High School here in Houston. This recognition highlights SBISD as a leader to be watched,” he said. “We are committed to creating exceptional learning environments for our students while ensuring these spaces also serve as valuable community resources. By offering premier learning spaces, we remain competitive with other districts and organizations.”

Mark Jackson emphasized, “What sets Memorial’s addition apart is that it’s not just about creating exceptional educational spaces—it's about building a lasting community asset. This space is intentionally designed to host events, foster connections, and serve families long after the school day ends.”