Arlington ISD kicks off two major construction projects, as it revitalizes schools in East Arlington to give generations of students the opportunities needed to succeed in the 21st century.

Thornton Elementary School students helped break the ground Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 at 2301 E. Park Row Dr. for the construction of their new school building. Berry Elementary School students will do the same for their future building Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 1800 Joyce St. The rebuild of Thornton and Berry are the second and third of four school replacements funded by 2019 Bond voters. The District says it is an effort to modernize the schools and revitalize their neighborhoods.

The original Thornton opened in 1956 and Berry opened in 1955. The old buildings were demolished in Fall 2021. Thornton and Berry teachers and students are temporarily housed in other facilities until the new schools are finished in Summer 2023.

“2019 Bond voters are allowing us to transform our district with rebuilding four of our schools that need it most,” said Arlington ISD Board of Trustees President Kecia Mays. “The new schools at Thornton and Berry are part of our plan for East Arlington that is transforming all of our schools in the area to make sure every student gets an outstanding education in a facility designed to inspire and promote learning.”

That plan, funded by the 2019 Bond, includes rebuilding Carter Junior High, another aging East Arlington school, and relocating it to a site closer to the majority of Carter’s student population. Scheduled to open in 2025, the new Carter is now in the early stages of design as architects held planning charettes in November with Carter students, parents and teachers to help plan the new facility. 

In addition to Thornton, Berry and Carter, East Arlington’s Crow Leadership Academy just opened a new classroom wing, gymnasium and kitchen. Nearby, the 2019 Bond is also building a replacement facility for Webb Elementary. Construction on the new Webb started in Spring 2021 and much of the slab is now poured. The first of the four rebuilds will open in time for next school year.

“Enough with the additions, enough with the patching up,” said Arlington ISD Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos. “There comes a time when we have to start over. Thornton and Berry both have a love that has persevered through its history, and I have no doubt that love will continue in the new Thornton and the new Berry.”