$13 million bond allows for renovations of school district’s elementary, middle and high school campuses

NIXON, TEXAS, July 28, 2009 – SHW Group’s San Antonio studio has been selected by the Nixon-Smiley Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) as the architect for the renovations and additions of the district’s elementary, middle and high school campuses. The projects are part of a $13 million bond package passed in May 2009 to address aging facilities, educational program needs and enrollment growth.

The bond package consists of instructional and technological upgrades, renovations and additions, including the construction of new libraries, classrooms and a field house. The plan also calls for the switching of the elementary and middle school campuses to alleviate overcrowding and allow the schools to share programs, staff and facilities.  Nixon-Smiley CISD is a small, rural school district located in a central Texas farming community, serving 1,000 students from seven towns encompassing 376 square miles.

“This is a small school district where the average home value is $35,000-$40,000,” said Dr. Cathy Booth, superintendent of Nixon-Smiley CISD. “Most people thought it would be impossible to pass this bond during these difficult economic times, so we are very fortunate. We are looking forward to upgrading the facilities for all the citizens, parents and students of Nixon-Smiley CISD.”

SHW Group’s San Antonio studio was selected to design the school district’s facility upgrades, which include:

• Renovating and updating the current Nixon-Smiley Middle School campus to support the future Nixon-Smiley Elementary School, including repairing leaking roofs, demolishing the structurally unsafe auditorium, replacement of its deteriorating cafeteria, upgrading the technology infrastructure, and the construction of new classrooms, a new library and a new kitchen;
• Updating the current Nixon-Smiley Elementary campus to accommodate the future Nixon-Smiley Middle School, including upgrading the technology infrastructure and the construction of new classrooms, new restrooms and a new multi-purpose room;
• Renovating and updating the Nixon-Smiley High School campus including repairing leaky roofs and upgrading instructional spaces to comply with mandated curriculum requirements;
• Replacing the structurally damaged Nixon-Smiley High School library building with an up-to-date library that includes appropriate technology and square footage to implement required educational programs;
• The construction of a new high school field house for PE classes and athletics.

In addition to providing design services, SHW Group worked with Cambridge Strategic Services, a strategic planning/consulting firm for organizations and school districts worldwide, to assist the district with their public relations bond campaign. For more information about SHW Group, please visit www.shwgroup.com.

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Media Contact: Claire Bloxom
claire@coopersmithagency.com, (214) 329-9191