HERE NEWS

City of Bryan, TX, – March 4, 2024

As the Mary Catherine Harris School’s programs seek to expand, Bryan school district administrators discussed potentially moving the school to the district’s Milam campus due to current facility needs and lack of space during the Bryan school board workshop Monday afternoon.

As of last Friday, MC Harris had an enrollment of 146. The nontraditional school centers on a credit recovery program that allows students at risk of not completing high school to work at their own pace to earn a diploma or GED. The school is in an old hospital building on Memorial Drive.

Discussion on Potential Move to Milam Campus

The Milam campus on Ridgedale Street is the former Milam Elementary, which closed in fall of 2017. District officials said the Milam campus, which currently houses the district’s special education services, can have both programs coexist in the coming years after discussions with staff at both MC Harris and special education services. But making such a move would require some facility renovations and updates at the Milam campus.

Facility Limitations and Needs at MC Harris

MC Harris’ current building has classroom and cafeteria size limitations, along with HVAC and electrical issues. MC Harris principal Karen Kaspar mentioned that the school’s classrooms are smaller than usual and can only accommodate between 12-15 students. The school also faces capacity issues due to limited space, resulting in a waiting list for enrollment.

Expansion Plans and Focus on CTE

School administrators highlighted the school’s career and technical education (CTE) pilot program and the expansion plan to accept underclassmen for CTE courses on their main campuses. The goal is to reach out to students at risk of dropping out and provide them with an opportunity to combine their diploma with CTE courses for targeted career options with high demand.

Concerns and Future Planning

Board member Mark McCall expressed concerns about potentially shifting the focus of MC Harris from credit recovery to a broader high school setting. He emphasized the need to maintain the school’s core business while exploring ways to accommodate more students with a smaller setting for enhanced learning.

Looking Ahead and District Master Facilities Plan

Superintendent Ginger Carrabine highlighted the importance of conducting a district master facilities plan to address long-term needs and ensure that investments align with the district’s philosophy and capacity requirements. The board will receive a timeline for facility updates and logistical moves in upcoming meetings.

If the plan moves forward, renovations at the Milam campus are expected to be completed by August for the start of the next school year. This discussion also emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to facilities planning to support the district’s growth and educational goals.