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PHARR – The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District has been undergoing an extensive renovation of all its facilities and will open two new elementary campuses tomorrow Monday for the first day of school.
Berta Palacios Elementary in South Pharr located at 801 E. Thomas Road is a brand new facility opening this school year, housing a little over 400 students. It is the fourth PSJA elementary school to be built in South Pharr, a fast growing area. The district also recently opened a middle school and high school, making them the first secondary campuses in the area.
The 75,000 sq. ft. building is a state-of-the-art facility that has 39 classrooms, including a fully equipped science classroom, two computer labs and resource rooms. In the near future, the campus will also have a water detention pond for a habitat garden, which will be utilized as a science component.
The other campus opening this Monday, is replacing an older facility. The new Garza-Peña Elementary located at 501 E. FM in San Juan is an 83,000 sq. ft. building with 38 classrooms and resource rooms. Over 600 students will call this campus home. It will also host a water detention pond for a habitat garden to assist teachers with their curriculum.
The PSJA ISD Board of Trustees and Administration are grateful for the community support that passed several bond issues to make these renovations and new facilities possible throughout the district.
“We are very close to finishing this multi-year project that has truly given district facilities a facelift from the inside out,” Dr. Daniel King, Superintendent of Schools said. “This transformation will continue to provide quality classrooms for all students for years to come.”
