Luling ISD Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of New Shanklin Elementary School

SAN ANTONIO – On Sept. 08 at 6 p.m., Luling Independent School District (ISD) celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new Shanklin Elementary School.

The $23.6 million elementary school was constructed as part of Luling ISD’s 2019 Bond Program that was passed by voters in May 2019. Three years ago, Luling ISD evaluated the physical condition, safety/security, capacity, and educational adequacy of its facilities through a district-wide facility assessment. The findings showed that five of its buildings were in poor condition. In response, voters passed a $31.9 million bond program – one of the largest in Luling ISD’s history – to build a new elementary school and renovate the existing Gilbert Gerdes Junior High School.

“The new Shanklin Elementary continues the tradition of excellence so many generations of Luling ISD students have experienced,” said Luling ISD Superintendent Erin Warren. “The district is excited to welcome our community to see firsthand the extraordinary instructional opportunities in place for future generations of students.”

The approximately 86,000 square foot facility designed by Claycomb Associates, Architects and constructed by Weaver & Jacobs Constructors, Inc., will replace the existing Luling Primary and Leonard Shanklin Elementary Schools and consolidate them into a single campus. This will allow the district to reallocate the maintenance and operation dollars currently being spent at Luling Primary School to other uses.

The two-story elementary school, which will accommodate 800 students from pre-k to fifth grade, includes 42 new classrooms, two playgrounds, a gymnasium, media center, cafeteria, kitchen and administrative suite. The elementary school also incorporates several life-safety and security enhancement measures to resist potential active shooter intrusions.

“The new elementary school will meet Luling ISD’s needs for the next 50 years and provide students the infrastructure needed to succeed in the 21st century,” said JP Grom, AIA, vice president at Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN), the firm that is serving as the program manager for the bond program. “In addition to providing a safe environment for students, the facility will also be used by the community for various purposes.”

Other elements of the Luling 2019 Bond Program included renovations at Gilbert Gerdes Junior High School and conversion of the existing elementary school into a new staff and visitor parking lot.