The Sherman (Texas) Independent School District has opened a 500,000-square-foot high school.
The Sherman Denison Herald Democrat reports that developers have referred to the new three-story facility as a "super school" with expanded classrooms and education space for many departments compared with the previous high school.
Students began attending classes in the new facility in January, while the final phases of construction are wrapping up.
The school also is home to a state-of-the-art theater, among other amenities not found on the previous campus.
"The new Sherman High School is the culmination of thousands of hours of planning, thinking discussing and dreaming about the possibilities and what this community wants for its children now and for many years in the future," Sherman Superintendent David Hick says.
Work on the project started in 2016 when the design and early concept stages began. Board President Tim Millerick said before the project could fully begin, officials needed to formulate a strategic plan for the district — the first since 1996.
The district initially proposed a $308 million bond to pay for the high school and other improvements, but voters turned the proposal down. A second bond package that included $157.87 million for the high school project was subsequently approved.
Students have been filling the hallways, but the project isn't complete. Some pieces, including flooring and painting, still need to be finished. District officials say they expect those jobs should be done in time for a March grand opening event.
