Kaufman ISD Unveils New Middle School Design, Adjusts School Start Times

KAUFMAN, Texas — The Kaufman Independent School District (KISD) School Board unveiled updated designs for a new middle school and proposed changes to school start times during its Jan. 13 meeting. The plans, presented by VLK Architects, aim to address traffic concerns and improve student transportation efficiency.

Marty Sims of VLK Architects showcased the latest design for the middle school, which features two wings and two floors, with the library prominently placed on the second floor. “What’s unique about this space is we’re showing the media center, the library, on the second floor,” Sims said. “It’s going to have a lot of prominence, and we want to treat that special on the exterior.” The board requested a combination of exterior finishes for the library, which will be reviewed in a future meeting.

The new design includes a dedicated wing for sixth graders and another for seventh and eighth graders. To alleviate traffic congestion, the South Houston Street entrance has been relocated to the center between Hampton Court Drive and TX-34. Parents will drop off and pick up students at the south entrance, circling the parking lot to exit. Construction is expected to begin this fall, with completion targeted for July 2027, in time for the 2027-2028 school year.

Charlotte Bachand of Transcend4, collaborating with the KISD Attendance Boundary Committee, presented recommendations to adjust school start times. The proposed tiered system would see elementary schools starting at 7:20 a.m. and secondary schools at 8:20 a.m. Bachand explained that this change would reduce bus ride times, which currently average 90 minutes. “The tiered system would allow pre-K through fifth grade to be on one set of buses and sixth through 12th grade on another,” she said.

In addition to the new middle school and start time adjustments, KISD will introduce a week-long February break this year, from Feb. 10 to Feb. 14. The school board described this as a trial period, with feedback from families and staff determining whether the break becomes permanent.

Maegan McNeely, principal at O.P. Norman Jr. High School, highlighted the success of “Morrowland,” an entrepreneurship program led by Warren Morrow, who has been with KISD for 30 years. Students sold items like iced coffee, cake pops, and 3D-printed creations, keeping the profits and gaining valuable business experience.

The meeting also recognized Students of the Month from across the district, including Russell Olivarez and Charli Hadley from Helen Edwards Early Childhood Center, and Ajour Miles and Kaylee Wrenn from Kaufman High School. Superintendent Joshua Garcia reported that attendance across all schools was at 92% or higher, with a goal of reaching 95%.

Roof repairs are underway at Helen Edwards Early Childhood Center, Kaufman High School, O.P. Norman Jr. High School, and Nash Elementary to address leaks and ensure safe learning environments.