(RED OAK, TX) — Construction on the second middle school for Red Oak ISD, named for Dr. Joy Shaw, is moving quickly with concrete poured over 95% complete, steel beam framework in the final section, and roofs and walls following the sectional progress.

 “We are excited about the progress moving along quickly and that the project is projected to be below the budgeted amount,” stated Superintendent Brenda Sanford. “Joeris and our subcontractors have been excellent to work with as they take advantage of the nice weather, lower material costs, and available workforce to get a little ahead.”

 DR. JOY SHAW MIDDLE SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

• Construction on the second middle school for Red Oak ISD is progressing with over 95% of the foundation slab, parking lots, and driveway concrete poured. Walkways will be completed later in the project.

• Steel beams are being erected in the final section of the building.

• The concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls are being installed in the competition gym which is also the storm shelter.

• All three academic wings, administration, and cafeteria/kitchen areas are roofed.

• The athletic field and tennis courts are soil prepped and surface work will begin soon.

• The project is on track for the December 2025 opening and is currently under budget.

 The campus is on schedule to open in late 2025, with occupancy beginning in January 2026. We will have two campuses operating within the current facility in the fall before the transition to two school facilities over winter break.

In September, the Board approved the naming of the facility for longtime educator and former Board Member – Dr. Joy Shaw, who passed in 2022. Dr. Joy Cockerham Shaw was a model member of Hawk Nation having been part of the Hawk family her entire life in multiple roles – student, alum, teacher, coach, administrator, parent, active alum/PTA/community member, and board member!

Next steps:

• Consideration and a recommendation for zoning. Staff will be working with demographers and reviewing current and past enrollment trends for campuses along with the construction of new homes and area housing expectations. The goal is to have a Board recommendation this winter

• Staffing considerations for the dual campuses at the current Red Oak Middle School facilities for the fall of 2025 start soon with current campus staff surveys and discussions with designated administrators. Current Red Oak Middle School Principal Lanoria Washington will be at the helm of Dr. Joy Shaw Middle School next year and current Associate Principal Chris Thompson will lead Red Oak Middle School.

• Classroom and facility furniture, fixtures, and equipment needs are being assessed with a current materials audit and a list of items to be acquired.