College Station Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Aggieland High School
College Station recently marked the beginning of a significant new chapter in local education with a groundbreaking ceremony for the International Leadership Texas’ (IL Texas) new Aggieland High School campus. The event occurred on December 3rd, despite a steady rain that prevented any dirt from being overturned.
Who was Present?
Attendees included key figures from the school, such as Eddie Conger, the founder and superintendent of IL Texas, and Linda Lang, principal of Aggieland High School. Local government officials, including College Station Mayor John Nichols and assistant police chief Michael Pavelka, were also present, underscoring the city’s support for the initiative. Other notable guests included Hugh McElroy, a former Texas A&M football player, and Gen. (Ret.) Joe Ramirez, the outgoing Texas A&M vice president of student affairs.
What is Being Built?
The new Aggieland High School will be constructed just south of the current College Station K-8 campus on Longmire Road. The first phase of the project consists of a two-story building covering 72,489 square feet. It will include administrative offices, classrooms, specialized facilities like a media center and an air rifle range, as well as fine arts rooms and athletic facilities featuring a soccer field and a baseball field. Construction for phase one is set to commence in February 2024 and is projected to be completed by January 2026.
Why is this Development Important?
The significance of this new facility cannot be understated. Currently, Aggieland High School operates out of the former College Station police station, a temporary arrangement that has lasted since January 2021. Principal Lang expressed her excitement during the ceremony, stating, “I have loved our home in the former police department building…but I cannot wait for our new facility to be built and for us to have a new home.” With this new building, IL Texas aims to provide a more suitable learning environment for students.
Future Expansion and Phase Two Plans
Phase two of the development will add an additional 54,653 square feet of space, which will include a gymnasium, a stage area for fine arts, more classrooms, and athletic facilities. Principal Lang highlighted the need for dedicated spaces, saying, “Right now we have almost everything for our students but we are missing things like a dance space, a gym.” This expansion is expected to further enhance educational opportunities for the student body, as the school intends to accommodate various academic programs and facilities.
Community Support and Educational Goals
Mayor Nichols emphasized the city’s support, noting the collaborative efforts that have made this project possible. He remarked, “We are really pleased to be a partner with IL Texas,” highlighting the importance of educational development in the community.
Founded in 2012, IL Texas is a free public charter school with a mission to prepare students for leadership roles on an international scale. The school emphasizes not only academic achievement but also the importance of mastering multiple languages—including English, Spanish, and Chinese. Lang stated the school aims to provide students with a sense of belonging while preparing them for future success.
As the new Aggieland High School takes shape, both students and educators eagerly await the opportunity for enhanced learning and community engagement in a modern facility.
