Banquete ISD begins a historic transition as it demolishes its 1938 elementary school to make way for a new junior high, blending tradition with modern growth.
BANQUETE, Texas — It is the end of an era and the beginning of something new for Banquete ISD.
Demolition crews on Wednesday began tearing down the District’s original elementary school on Fourth Street, clearing the way for a new, state-of-the-art junior high campus.
The original building, constructed in 1938, has served generations of students. It was renovated in 1975 to add air conditioning and at one point housed all grade levels in the district. Over the years, it transitioned from serving both elementary and junior high students to functioning solely as an elementary school.
District leaders say once the demolition is complete, construction will begin on the new junior high. Plans include a performance-style gymnasium and community spaces designed to reflect Banquete’s history and growth.
“It’s huge for our community. It’s just a staple of the new growth to have and the changes we are trying to make here,” said seventh-grade teacher Jordan Lerma.
Lerma said the District is focused on honoring its past while embracing the future.
“We’re all about tradition here in Banquete and wanting to see the growth as well, so wanting to mix tradition we’ve always had with the new changes,” Lerma said. “We’re trying to build and establish a positive culture here in Banquete.”
The long-term plan includes demolishing the existing former elementary school to build the new junior high, followed by the demolition of the current junior high building.
Superintendent Adriana Tagle said the project represents progress and opportunity for students and families.
“This has been a long time coming for our community and for our kids, and so that’s why we are demolishing the building to make way for new opportunities and new memories for our students,” Tagle said.
She called the moment meaningful on multiple levels.
“Definitely a sweet moment as a parent, a sweet moment as a superintendent and a sweet moment as a community member,” she said.
The new junior high gym is expected to be a centerpiece of the campus.
“The junior high gym will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen. It will actually be our crowned jewel, if you will,” Tagle said.
District leaders say the school’s design will incorporate community gathering spaces, a nod to the meaning behind the name Banquete, which refers to a banquet or gathering. The design will also include subtle elements inspired by the nearby railway system, such as timber accents, to reflect how the community was established.
Junior high students are expected to begin the 2027–28 school year in the new building.