Austin ISD Celebrates Grand Opening Of LBJ Early College High School’s Phase 1 Modernization

AUSTIN, TEXAS — April 20, 2023 — Austin ISD and LBJ Early College High School celebrated the grand opening of the school’s Phase 1 modernization yesterday evening, built as part of the 2017 Bond Program. Students, teachers and community members came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the renovated courtyard.

The event featured remarks from LBJ Principal Joseph Welch, Interim Superintendent Matias Segura, Board President Arati Singh and District 1 Trustee Candace Hunter. Guests enjoyed tours of the new spaces and a pep rally that included performances by the LBJ Marching Band and The First Ladies.

“It’s been exciting to see students enjoying these new spaces that not only prepare them for their futures, but truly reflect our Jaguar pride,” said LBJ Principal Joseph Welch. “Thank you to AISD leadership, the project team and the Campus Architectural Team for your support and collaboration throughout this process, and to our LBJ com- munity for your unwavering dedication to our students.”

Construction on LBJ’s modernization began in June 2021 and was completed in December 2022, opening to students and faculty for the start of the spring semester. Designed by Perkins & Will and built by Vaughn Construction, the focus of the modernization was to expand career opportunities and renovate learning spaces to benefit all students.

The project team achieved this by constructing a central hub that unifies the academic wing with the rest of the building. The new two-story space includes a media center, student common spaces, recording studios, a computer lab, community room, and a medical professionals suite to support LBJ’s unique P-TECH program.

“Austin ISD is committed to making investments in students that better prepare them for college, career and beyond,” said Interim Superintendent Matias Segura. “I want to thank Principal Welch for his leadership throughout this process. This is only the first phase of a strategic plan to modernize the full campus, and we look forward to continuing our work at LBJ through the 2022 Bond.”

The 2022 Bond, passed by voters in November, will fund Phase 2 of LBJ’s modernization project. That project is expected to begin in the fall and open to students in January 2028. As part of the project, LBJ will receive life safety and security improvements, heating and air conditioning improvements, new student and staff devices, upgrades to athletics spaces and more.

“This celebration is an opportunity for our district and LBJ community to recognize the hard work that made this project possible,” said Board of Trustees President Arati Singh. “I want to thank the Community and Bond Oversight Committee and the Facilities and Bond Planning Advisory Committee for their commitment to Austin schools.