Roosevelt starts the year renewed
Students and staff returned to class in the practically new Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation, which received a 70,000-square-foot renovation.
Principal LaKisha Thomas welcomed the Oak Cliff community to its new home during Roosevelt’s building dedication Aug. 13 alongside Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde, District 5 Trustee Maxie Johnson, former superintendent Michael Hinojosa and several Roosevelt alumni.
“For almost six decades, Roosevelt High School has been a beacon in this community,” Thomas said. “We have a lot to be proud of as we celebrate the completion of renovations and additions to this historic campus—the first school built for African American students in Dallas ISD. Mighty Mustangs, what an amazing day this is!”
The 58-year-old school transformed into an innovative learning complex that will support and inspire students for years to come thanks to a nearly $64 million renovation funded by the 2015 bond program.
The project involved the demolition of 75 percent of the original campus, extensive renovations to the original buildings and building additions, including a fine arts addition that doubles as a storm shelter, a new main secured entry, administrative suite upgrades to outdoor athletic facilities, a competition gym addition, multi-classroom and career technical education spaces additions, a restaurant and storage space to support the culinary arts program, a new cafeteria and kitchen addition, a library/media addition and interior and exterior renovations to the entire campus.
“This is truly an example of one of our beliefs: Excellence and equity in education for every single student in our district,” Elizalde said. “We want everyone to have a state-of-the-art facility. Now, students can feel as proud of the physical building as they can of the emotional, spiritual and academic support of their staff.”
“I want to encourage everyone to strive for greatness,” Johnson agreed. “This is what building futures through education looks like.”
If you missed Roosevelt’s building dedication or want to watch it again, visit https://www.facebook.com/dallasisd/videos/1233111287460355. To learn more about other bond projects across the district, visit https://www.dallasisd.org/bondinfo.
