NEW YEAR, NEW SCHOOL

Trinity Ranch Elementary debuts flexible, familiar design

It’s a new school year for every Elgin Independent School District student — and a new school for some — as a slice of the city’s youngest learners begin classes this week at a brand-new campus.

Trinity Ranch Elementary, the district’s fifth elementary school, opened Aug. 13 in the growing Trinity Ranch subdivision just south of U.S. 290. The $40 million project is designed to serve up to 900 students with flexibility, safety and community in mind, according to the district.

“It’s amazing. We’re going to do a lot of really inventive learning here,” Elgin ISD Communications Director Al Rodriguez said while touring the campus’ colorful, shaded courtyard.

A FAMILIAR DESIGN

Trinity Ranch shares the same footprint as Harvest Ridge Elementary, which opened last fall. Rodriguez said the layout is “99% the same,” with thoughtful changes sparingly implemented throughout its design.

Early childhood classrooms occupy the first floor along with the gymnasium and cafeteria, while grades two through five are upstairs.

“If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” Rodriguez said.

The library, with movable shelving and a garden motif, serves as an eye-catching centerpiece, stretching to the second floor. Other alterations include a fresh color scheme, some shared classroom bathrooms and slight repurposing of general-use rooms.

Flexible learning spaces are built throughout the campus. Small-group nooks and screens are tucked into hallway corners for teachers to lead in a new setting, and interactive flat-screen displays are mounted in every classroom.

Teachers are encouraged to use these features as they wish and to design their rooms to create a warm, inviting environment, Rodriguez said.

The shaded learning courtyard is intended for hands-on, creative lessons, with colorful seating and rearrangeable furniture. A separate athletic field for older students sits beside a new playground ready for heavy use.

Rodriguez said the district places a strong emphasis on life skills programming and safety — making note of partially open bathrooms that allow for adult supervision while preserving privacy.

DISTRICT CHANGES

Inaugural Trinity Ranch Principal Arthur Martinez moves from Neidig Elementary as the district enters the school year with a few universal changes.

A new statewide ban on personal electronic devices takes effect for all public school students during the day, including lunch and passing periods. Prohibited items include cell phones, smart watches, tablets, Bluetooth headphones, twoway radios and gaming devices with internet access.

Devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks. Exceptions will be made only for approved medical needs or specific accommodations, district officials said.

Campus-issued Chromebooks and other school technology will still be available for learning, but devices for younger grades will remain on campus and are not issued for home use.

At its July meeting, the Elgin ISD board also approved pay raises for staff. Teachers with one year of experience will receive $1,673, those with two years will get $1,682, teachers with three to four years will receive $2,500 and those with five or more years will get $5,000.

All other staff will receive a 3% raise based on midpoint pay, according to the district.

MORE TO COME

Trinity Ranch is the second new elementary school completed under the 2021 voter-approved Elgin ISD bond, following Harvest Ridge. Both campuses finished on time and within budget, according to district records. From the 2024 bond, the district is planning a second middle school on FM 1704 north of Lower Elgin Road, scheduled to open in fall 2027.

The $375 million bond package, approved by voters without raising the district’s tax rate, will also fund career and technical education improvements, athletic facilities, new buses, Phase 2 of the Transportation Center and campus renovations to address rapid enrollment growth and safety needs.