(RED OAK, TX) — Red Oak ISD construction of the Dr. Joy Shaw Middle School, a second middle school for the District located off Westmoreland Rd., is on schedule and millions under budget.

“We are pleased with the current construction project coming in well under budget,” stated Superintendent Brenda Sanford. “Of the $97.5M approved by voters in 2023, only $80M in bonds have been sold to date, and we will only sell what is necessary for the completion.”

“We applaud Joeris General Contractors for staying on track,” Mrs. Sanford added. “Our goal is to be on time and under budget. The building is expected to be open for the spring semester in January 2026.

The District is finalizing the schedule for purchasing fixtures, furniture, and equipment (FF&E) for the campus. To save taxpayer funds, the District is using the interest from the bonds to offset FF&E costs.

Construction Progress

• The project is currently 72% completed.

• 100% of the foundation slab, parking lots, and driveway concrete poured. Street connections and walkways will be completed later in the project.

• The exterior brick and stone veneer for the entire facility is nearing completion.

• Windows and most exterior doors are also being installed.

• The building has permanent electricity and power.

• Irrigation system installation is in progress.

• The tiling of hallways and restrooms, as well as painting and millwork in classrooms, is taking place across the academic wings. Restroom fixtures are being installed.

• Interior walls are almost complete in the non-academic wings, with progress made on sheetrock, taping, overhead electric lines, and ductwork.

• The athletic areas include the completed installation of the football field, track, stands, and press box. Tennis courts, lighting, and fencing are all complete. The slab has been poured for concessions and restrooms.

• The project is on track for opening on time and is currently under budget.

ATTENDANCE ZONING - Administrative staff reviewed current and past enrollment trends along with the construction of new homes and area housing expectations based on the demographer’s data.

• The decision was made to leave the current elementary boundaries (until future elementary school growth is determined) and use the feeder-pattern method for zoning the two middle schools.

• Students who attend Shields and Schupmann Elementary Schools will attend Dr. Joy Shaw Middle School with Principal Lanoria Washington.

• Students who attend Eastridge, Red Oak, and Wooden elementary schools will attend Red Oak Middle School with Principal Chris Thompson.

 The campus is on schedule to open on time, with occupancy beginning in January 2026. We will have two campuses operating within the current facility (Red Oak Middle School) in the fall before the transition to two school facilities over winter break.