Wildwood Homeowners Association

New Elementary School for DeSoto will be in Wildwood

Woodridge Elementary School - New Elementary School in Wildwood

DeSoto ISD’s Newest Elementary School to be constructed in Wildwood Area.

DeSoto ISD voters approved back in March of 2001 a $38 million bond issue for the construction of two elementary schools, renewal and renovations for existing facilities, and technology infrastructure. The package was approved with a 71% passing rate and plans for the first of the two elementary schools are underway.

The school will be named Woodridge Elementary, and will replace the current Belt Line Elementary School, an aging facility in the district that was constructed in 1958. Woodridge will be ready to serve 700-750 students in Pre-K through Fourth grade in August 2003.

DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. Jim Hawkins, Principal Dr. Cheyrl Ensley, and SHW Architects Representative Gary Hardaway visited with Wildwood Homeowners Association members on February 23. They presented schematic designs and information about the new campus, and answered questions from members.

Existing single-family houses bound the twelve-acre site, south of Southwood Drive and east of Wildwood Drive on the north and west, by the Woodridge Drive extension on the south and by a densely wooded natural ravine on the east. Primary access is by the Woodridge Drive extension and its connection, just east of the site, to the extension of Crestwood Drive.

As currently designed, the school contains 73,560 square feet with 33 “homeroom” classrooms, 12 specialty classrooms, library, administrative offices, faculty lounge, work room, clinic, conference room, and counseling center. A gymnasium with office and storage, two playground areas, and a playfield support physical education. Food service facilities include a cafeteria with stage, two serving lines, and a kitchen. Convenient restrooms are provided throughout the building for students, staff, and visitors. Independently air-conditioned rooms will support the technology in the rooms.

Classrooms are arranged as neighborhoods along a generous, sunlit commons area that operates as a major boulevard. Important shared spaces, such as the cafeteria, library, computer lab, and administrative offices, are clustered at the intersection of the commons with the lobby and the passageway to the art room. Collectively, they act as the school’s “downtown” and cultural center.

DeSoto ISD is proud to be a neighbor of residents in the area, and any questions regarding the new campus can be directed to DeSoto ISD at 972 223-6666.

Woodridge Elementary Proposed Construction Schedule

TENATIVE SCHEDULE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-WOODRIDGE


April 12, 2002 -- Issue Bid Documents for Sub-Contractors

May 10, 2002 -- Open Bids

May 27, 2002 -- Award Contracts

June 1, 2002 -- Issue Notice to Proceed (Should see some construction beginning around this time)…

July 7, 2003 -- Substantial Completion

(approximately a 14 month period for construction, with classes beginning in August, 2003)