A rendering of the Bullard Middle School exterior. (Bullard ISD/Contributed Photo)

BULLARD — The Bullard ISD Board of Trustees heard an update Tuesday on the middle school construction project.

At the district’s school board meeting, contractor Stephen Berry of Berry & Clay Construction updated trustees on the status of the new Bullard Middle School — a project funded by a 2022 voter-approved bond.

“On the outside, it’s going slow but it’s really taking shape and really looking good,” Berry said.

The middle school is the centerpiece of Bullard ISD’s Proposition A, part of a $103 million bond package passed in 2022. The facility was originally slated to open in August, but officials now expect to open the campus in January 2026.

Crews are finishing up masonry work, with sidewalk installation and exterior painting still to be completed, especially around the parent pickup area. The west side of the building is showing more color as work continues toward the cafeteria and weight room.

The parent pickup drive is being finalized, with three lanes for stacking and light poles already in place. Progress outside has been slowed somewhat by the weather.

Inside, the competition gym now has its wood flooring, sound panels, and basketball goals installed. A video screen will be added soon, and the scoreboards are ready but will be installed later. Lockers are in, and crews are finishing up lighting. The football field and interior work are scheduled to be completed at the same time.

“We’re putting the floor in the kitchen and the wall tiles are all on,” Berry said. “So what we’re doing is… finishing up the last of the kitchen before all of the final equipment shows up.”

All hot water heaters have been installed, and air conditioning is operational throughout the building — about 80% is currently in use to help with climate control. Cabinets and countertops are in place in the administration area and are being protected during the final stages of construction.

Upstairs, crews are finishing ceiling grids and installing a redesigned transaction window for the media center to improve usability. Ductwork is complete and ready for ceiling installation, pending water access for testing.

In the band hall, sound panels are covered to protect from dust, and carpet installation is on hold to prevent dirt from being tracked in, since exterior walkways are not yet finished. On the second floor, doors are being hung, the last of the millwork is going in, and science casework is complete. Flooring has been installed, and plumbers are working on fixture installation across both floors.

In response to the off-site water issue discussed at the last board meeting, a new solution has been identified.

“We’re gonna run our sewer to the Travel Center, which will be better for the district because it will be less expensive for me than have to run sewer out to where I was gonna have to run it,” Berry said. “So it is better and we won’t have to change our pumps out.”

A preliminary survey was received and shared with the project team. The design team is beginning work on the revised plan, and the survey will be forwarded to the city for review and comments.

“I don’t think it’ll be an issue,” Berry said. “I think it’s gonna be beneficial to the district.”

Board members sworn in

Brian Hebert was sworn in as the board’s newest member, representing Place 7. Hebert was elected in May and is beginning his first term.

“The meeting went really well,” Hebert said. “It was truly a pleasure to finally meet and sit down with everyone. I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m eager and excited for the opportunity to serve our incredible school district. I’m looking forward to working together to support our students, staff, and community.”

Also sworn in was Susie Turner Saxion, who was re-elected to continue serving in Place 6. Saxion has served on the board since 2018 and retained her seat in the May election.

The board also recognized Lee Sleeper, Director of Operations, during his final board meeting. Sleeper is retiring at the end of the month after 23 years with the district.

Lee oversaw maintenance, facilities, transportation, and custodial services for the district. He also managed building repairs, coordinated bus routes, ensured safety and compliance, and supported the smooth daily functioning of Bullard ISD’s campuses and services.

“For 23 years, Mr. Sleeper has been dedicated to all things Bullard ISD,” Superintendent Dr. Jack Lee said. “He has been a constant source of knowledge, setting high expectations and consistently striving for what is best for the students and staff. I’m proud of the work that he has accomplished, and I hope he knows how much he is appreciated.”