The Taft HS principal stated that students will be able to walk through the halls of the new facility in approximately two years.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A new high school is underway for the City of Taft.  A groundbreaking ceremony kicked off Thursday morning in front of the Greyhound Stadium. 

Superintendent of Taft Independent School District, Dr. Irene Garza, said, “It’s been a very long road since Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017. We were reminded daily of that devastation as we saw the remnants on these very same grounds. Today, each of you who is present with us is witnessing a change in the landscape that has not been seen in many years. For most, a landscape that has not changed in your lifetime.”

Superintendent Garza said the new campus would not be possible without the 2024 bond election. Part of the bond’s referendum included the new high school’s campus, facing Green Avenue, with classrooms. The new facility will have safety enhancements, technology upgrades, career and technology lab focuses areas on agriculture, veterinary opportunities, architecture, science, construction, and welding.

Other projects districtwide have been in the works, such as baseball and softball fields with artificial turf. 

As for the junior high school and elementary school, it includes library renovations, an agricultural barn, and new playground equipment.

Student Council President Albert Solis Jr. of Taft High School delivered a speech during the ceremony, stating that the new high school is more than a turning of the soil, but will continue to shape minds, nurture dreams, and strengthen the community for generations to come. He adds, “as we break new ground, we break new possibilities for growth, for community, for the future.”

Principal Thomas “Tom” Harris at Taft High School said students will not be moved around during the construction process. 

“I am also very happy about how this transition is going to take place, there will be very little disruption to the learning environment due to how the construction is being completed.”

Principal Harris thanks the Board of Trustees, Dr. Garza, and the Taft community for their support of this process.