2017—O’Donnell High School/Middle School

O’Donnell ISD—O’Donnell High School/Middle School
Architect: Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc.

“New space added approximately 40,000 s.f. to the existing campus. New main gym, library, science labs, computer labs, kitchen, culinary arts room, Metal Shop, & locker room space. Renovations include the administrative areas & classrooms, & wood shop. Science labs, computer labs & adjacent corridors were also constructed to serve as a storm shelter. Two, new tennis courts were included. The new building replaced approx. 25,000 s.f. of existing building that was demolished.”

Design

Design—Star of DistinctionThe School District made the commitment to move from the traditional “Factory Model for Education” to a “21st Century Learning Environment”. The space organization manifested itself in a more collaborative and project oriented setting. The collaboration space is the nucleus of the classroom space. The egg shape of the collaboration space is also derived from school district imagery associated with the eagle mascot.

Value

Adaptability, flexibility, & shared use. The collaboration space shown as the “Egg” is a multipurpose, flex space that provides for different types of learning format such as group projects, 1 on 1 instruction, and lecture arrangements.

Effect on cost of ownership. Existing structure was 1960’s era and older when energy was still relatively cheap

Sustainability

100% of the structural steel came from recycled material. To save in fuel costs & reduce carbon footprint, all efforts were made to specify materials that could be acquired within a 500 mile radius. To address high energy costs, special attention was made to employ low energy use HVAC & lighting systems.

Community

The school is in a small farming community with a population of about 806. There are no entertainment sources, event venues, or restaurants to speak of. Like many small communities, the public school is the center of the town. It was important to the community that the new gymnasium also include amenities that enhance the community experience on game night. Multilevel seating, a perimeter concourse, and expanded food court provide more opportunities for gathering and social interaction.

Planning

Planning—Star of DistinctionThe School District made the commitment to move from the traditional “Factory Model for Education” to a “21st Century Learning Environment”. The space organization manifested itself in a more collaborative and project oriented setting.

In years leading up to the bond project, the district received a TEA listing of “Improvement Required”. Now the district has achieved 7 of all 7 distinctions. Great leadership, Excellent Staff, Improved Facilities.

School Transformation

The School District made the commitment to move from the traditional “Factory Model for Education” to a “21st Century Learning Environment”. The space organization manifested itself in a more collaborative and project oriented setting. The collaboration space is the nucleus of the classroom space. The collaboration and classroom spaces were created, solely out of existing space (ca 1970s). The old, double loaded, corridors now transformed for the future.

Stars of Distinction Star of Distinction Category Winner