Issuu

the PRIDE

December 2025

In a CLASS of our own.

Volume 41, Issue 5

2022 Bond Projects Complete Complete!!

A Vision Made Possible Through Community Support

Thank You, Shallowater Community Shallowater ISD is proud to announce the completion of all projects funded through the 2022 Bond. This milestone represents more than just new buildings and updated facilities—it reflects the vision, trust, and partnership of our entire community. From the beginning, the 2022 Bond was shaped by a dedicated planning committee made up of parents, community members, and business owners, who worked together to identify the needs that would best serve our students for years to come. Their thoughtful input, combined with the overwhelming support of Shallowater voters, made this progress possible. In this issue of The Pride, we are highlighting every project proposed in the bond election, as well as additional improvements made possible through bond interest, savings, and other funding sources. Each completed project represents an investment in the future of Shallowater ISD—and a reminder of what we can achieve together. Thank you, Shallowater community, for your continued trust and support in building a stronger future for our students.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the Superintendent

A Closer Look at the 2022 Bond

Major Project Highlights

Projects Made Possible through Interest Earned on Bond Funds

Projects Made Possible through Bond Savings

Projects Made Possible through Other Funding Sources

The Pride Newsletter Sponsors and Info

Message from the Superintendent A Vision Fulfilled, Thanks to YOU!

Whew! The dust has settled, the drills have quieted, and the workers have packed up their trailers. What a three years it has been with construction happening across every Shallowater campus! This news magazine is being sent to you not only to celebrate the completion of this work, but also to show you exactly what you voted for and entrusted us with. We take seriously our responsibility to use each hard-earned tax dollar wisely, and we have so much to thank you for in this issue—thank you for helping make our schools safer, more modern, and more efficient.

Our School Board provided steady, thoughtful leadership and set clear expectations that the bond work be completed on time, on scope, and under budget. I am proud to say we accomplished all of that—and more. This achievement reflects the commitment, discipline, and teamwork of everyone involved: our board members, our project managers, our campus staff, and the many community partners who supported this work from day one. Renovation, as opposed to new construction, brings its own special brand of organized chaos. Deadlines were often tight, and unexpected challenges were the norm—but our staff was amazing. They adapted schedules, shifted locations, cleared spaces, and even grabbed brooms to help when the dust settled in places we didn’t expect. Our students, too, handled the inconvenience with patience and good humor, making the mess much easier to navigate. The work itself was carefully planned and completed in phases. I am especially grateful to the Corgan Architect Team for their leadership, creativity, and willingness to truly listen to our teachers and administrators. They helped us not only design solutions but solve problems within our buildings—

always with efficiency and cost savings in mind and never at the expense of quality. They were true partners with the district’s best interests at heart. Lee Lewis Construction also played a vital role, entrusting the Project Superintendent responsibilities to our own Vohnya Tongate. His deep care for the district and his commitment to excellence ensured that planning, construction, and even the tiniest details were handled with diligence and heart. The entire Lee Lewis team prioritized both quality and efficiency and delivered for us at every turn. How we appreciate all of the team and their support! Because of this teamwork, we were able to save both time and money—and, remarkably, accomplish even more than we originally promised. As projects neared completion, the Board was able to allocate additional improvements using cost savings and the interest earned while bond funds were temporarily held in high-yield accounts. You’ll see in these pages how those resources translated into real benefits for our students and staff. Completing this bond project on time and within budget is more than just a financial milestone—it’s a reflection of our shared belief in keeping the tradition of “In a CLASS of Our Own,” leading with Character, Leadership, Attitude, Sportsmanship, and Scholarship. These improvements will serve our students for many years to come and strengthen the foundation of excellence that defines our Mustang and Fillie community. Thank you—truly, thank you—Shallowater. Your investment in our schools’ future will leave a lasting legacy.

How We Got Here: Planning for Shallowater‘s Future

In 2020, Shallowater ISD began looking ahead to the needs of a growing community. A Citizens Advisory Committee - a group of parents, community members, and business owners - was formed to study district facilities, evaluate enrollment projections, and prioritize long-term improvements.

The Committee’s Work

A Shared Vision Moves Forward

At their very first meeting, committee members began talking about the heart of Shallowater--what our schools and community genuinely mean to them. Each person shared one word that came to mind when they thought of Shallowater, creating a meaningful list that captured the values, pride, and high expectations of our town. Those words became the committee’s guiding source throughout the entire process, shaping every conversation and every decision that followed.

The Citizens Advisory Committee spent months of thoughtful discussion, research, and collaboration. When the planning was complete, the committee presented its final proposal to the Shallowater ISD Board of Trustees.

Over the next several months, the committee: • Heard presentations from each campus principal about specific challenges and needs. • Toured facilities across the distrcit to see classrooms, gyms, and common areas firsthand. • Reviewed student enrollment projections and demographic data showing significant growth in the coming years. • Discussed safety, maintenance, and capacity needs across all grade levels. • Developed a list of priorities to ensure every student benefits from updated, safe, and innovative learning spaces.

COMMUNITY

compassionate UNITY caring TEAM FAIR DIVERSE “THE” standard

PASSIONATE 04

GREAT

LEADS

In February 2022, the Board voted unanimously to call a bond election for May 7, 2022, giving the Shallowater community the opportunity to invest in the future of its schools. The propsoal that was presented is outlined on the next page. When the proposal went before voters on May 7th, the bond passed with nearly 70% approval--a remarkable result during a year when many school bond elections across the state did not succeed. The strong passing margin reflected the transparency of the process, the trust our community has in the school district, and the dedication of every person involved. Most importantly, it demonstrated Shallowater’s shared belief in the future of its schools and the students who learn here.

EXCEPTIONALISM

COMPETITIVE

nurture

HOME LEGACYFAMILY EXCELLENCE STABILITY

PRIDE

giving

EXCITING

Let’s Get to Work!

Major Project HighlightsA look at the major districtwide improvements Elementary • • • • • • • • • •

Parking lot expansion Main entrance Secure vestibule Cafetorium Library Pre-K wing and flex space Office suite Special Education wing Intervention suite Interior refresh

District-Wide • • • • • • • • •

HVAC units Furniture Kitchen equipment Instructional Technology Graphic design Classroom door renumbering system for safety Interactive Flat Panels (partially funded by Shallowater Education Foundation) LED lighting Grade realignment

Intermediate •

Two classroom wing expansions that serve as a tornado shelter area

Middle School • • • • • • • •

Competition gym, weight room, locker rooms Old gym converted to PE gym, choir hall, and band hall Interior refresh Office suite Secure Vestibule Workroom and flex spaces Conference room Commons area

High School • • • • • •

Second floor finish Interior refresh (lockers, flooring, paint) Specialty areas - Robotics and Dance Band and Choir hall upgrades Athletic facility - coaches offices, locker room, film room Turf, track, and seating at Todd Field

“Teaching in our newly renovated space has been such a gift, and I’m especially grateful for the tornadorated classrooms and hallway that keeps our youngest learners safe. Our community’s support makes all of this possible, and I’m truly thankful to be a part of a place that invests so deeply in the safety, growth, and future of our children.” --Denae McLellan, Pre-K Teacher 06

---Building for the FUTURE funded by the 2022 Bond.

Elementary cafeteria before (left) and after (right).

Left: Elementary library Right: Middle School band hall

Left: Middle School competition gym Right: High School 2nd floor finish and new furniture

High School hallways before (left) and after (right).

Todd Field before (left) and after (right). *Proposition B: turf and track resurfacing and stadium expansion* 07

Projects Made Possible Through Interest Earned on Bond Funds As part of the 2022 Bond program, Shallowater ISD also benefited from interest earned on bond funds— income generated while funds were temporarily invested during the construction process. Because interest rates were high and favorable at that time, these earnings provided the district with meaningful additional resources that could be used to enhance or expand projects without any additional cost to taxpayers. Thanks to this strong financial position and responsible management, Shallowater ISD was able to make even greater improvements to facilities and learning spaces, maximizing every dollar entrusted to us by the community.

High School • • • •

Athletic Training room Tennis court resurfacing Tennis court lighting Softball fence and batting cage

District Wide • • • •

Maintenance Equipment Roofing Band trailer and wrap Maintenance warehouse

“I greatly appreciate living and especially working in a community and district that is so willing to help provide opportunities with new and remodeled spaces for us to use with our students and athletes. My new classroom is a great place to teach students and creates a fresh learning environment. Our newly renovated athletic training room is awesome and provides a much bigger place to treat, rehab, and provide care for our student-athletes.” --Jeremy Davis, Athletic Trainer

Tennis Courts

Athletic Training Room

Projects Made Possible Through Bond Savings In addition to the projects outlined in the 2022 Bond, Shallowater ISD was able to complete several additional improvements thanks to bond savings—the funds that remain when projects come in under budget during construction. These savings allow us to reinvest in our schools without increasing costs to taxpayers. Through careful planning, responsible spending, and favorable construction costs, Shallowater ISD was able to extend the impact of the 2022 Bond by completing additional needed projects that further enhance safety, learning environments, and student opportunities across the district.

Elementary • •

Playground New lockers and shelving in 1st and 2nd grade classrooms

Middle School •

Auditorium Refresh

High School • • •

Front office suite renovation Secure vestibule Auditorium light and sound

District Wide • •

Rekeying Teacher laptops

Intermediate • •

Secure vestibule Front office suite renovation

Elementary Playground

Middle School Auditorium

1st Grade Classroom

Intermediate Entrance

High School Front Office

Projects Made Possible Through Other Funding Sources Because the 2022 Bond addressed many major facility needs, Shallowater ISD was able to redirect portions of its regular budget toward additional improvements across the district. This strategic use of other funding sources allowed us to upgrade and enhance spaces that were not included in the original bond proposal. By freeing up district funds through the bond’s support, we were able to extend the positive impact even further—investing in projects that strengthen learning environments, improve safety, and support the overall experience of our students and staff.

High School • • •

Softball field: resurface playing area Baseball field: resurface playing area HS Gym floor refinish

District Wide • • •

Library restocking Robotics program Video surveillance

Softball Field

Baseball Field

High School Gym

“Thank you to our community for supporting the school bond --- your investment truly matters and has made a meaningful impact on the learning environment for my personal kids, students, and myself. I am so thankful to raise kids and teach in a place where our community values our school system.” --Brooke Scarlett, Middle School Interventionist

the PRIDE The Pride is a publication of Shallowater Independent School District. This is a special issue of The Pride, printed and mailed free of charge to all Shallowater bulk mail addresses. All other issues are sent free of charge digitally to all subscribers and printed free for community members who are 60+ by request.

the PRIDE staff:

Jennifer Mitchell, Managing Editor Dr. Anita Hebert, Superintendent of SISD, Publisher Printed and mailed by Slate Group of Lubbock, TX

Printed subscriptions are available for other residents for $25 annually. Articles published in the PRIDE are copyrighted. All Rights Reserved. Readers can express their views to articles in this newspaper by writing to: The PRIDE, Letters to the Editor 1100 Ave. K, Shallowater, TX, 79363

For advertising rates, contact the Managing Editor at: 806-832-4531 or jmitchell@shallowaterisd.net

Thank you to our sponsors for your continued support The Pride Newsletter!

“Innovation is one of our core values at SHS, and the campus upgrades have truly opened the door for it. Our improved instructional spaces give teachers and students the freedom to think differently, explore new ideas, and learn in ways that weren’t possible before.” --Candace Wilkins, High School Principal