From Rainy Doubts to Community Pride: A Middle School's Transformation

jrolf3
Sep 5
3 min read

A Project Worth Recognition

The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and Texas Association of School Boards have awarded Lufkin Middle School a Star of Distinction for Transformation. This outstanding project is one of 43 Texas school projects that will be showcased at the 2025-26 Exhibit of School Architecture at the TASA/TASB Convention in Houston September 12-13.

On a dreary, rain-soaked evening, a group of hesitant community members in Lufkin, Texas gathered to tour the aging middle school campus of Lufkin ISD. Skeptical about a proposed bond for facility upgrades, they braced themselves for what they assumed would be a routine walkthrough. Instead, they were met with a sobering reality that would shift their perspectives and ignite a transformative journey for the entire community.

Middle school exterior with secure entry

A Revealing Tour

As the group navigated the campus, the flaws of the outdated infrastructure became impossible to ignore. Leaking canopies failed to shield the tour members from the downpour, leaving them drenched as they trudged the long, exposed walkways between scattered buildings exactly like students and staff were forced to do. Security vulnerabilities, glaringly apparent, raised serious concerns about student safety. These eye-opening conditions dismantled initial doubts, replacing skepticism with a shared resolve to act. By the end of the tour, the bond proposal had won overwhelming support, passing with a resounding mandate for change.

BEFORE - Outdoor Walkways (purple), Indoor (yellow) AFTER - All Walkways indoor off Main Corridor

A Vision Realized

The approved bond paved the way for an ambitious three-phase renovation and expansion project, carefully designed and coordinated by the GLS architecture team to ensure uninterrupted education for the school’s 1,800 students. Spanning 228,300 square feet of new construction and 81,300 square feet of renovations, the revitalized campus now stands as a beacon of modern education. Sleek, interconnected classrooms and state-of-the-art extracurricular spaces have replaced the fragmented layout of the past, all united under a single roof. In fact, GLS designers reduced the exterior entry points on campus from 25 to 6 secure entries. The enhanced security measures have eliminated previous concerns, creating a safe and inspiring environment where students can thrive both academically and socially. Construction for this project was executed flawlessly by Berry & Clay Construction.

Secure entry for middle school — Secure Entry with Bold School Colors

A Hub for the Community

The transformation of the middle school has done more than elevate the student experience—it has reshaped the community itself. Residents have embraced the revitalized campus with open arms, celebrating it as a point of local pride. Beyond serving students, the facility now hosts a wide array of community events, from cultural gatherings and sporting competitions to town hall meetings and local performances, fostering stronger connections among neighbors. The campus has become a vibrant hub, welcoming all residents to share in its success.

School Auditorium from 1950s updated with modern lighting — The Auditorium was updated with new lighting and the only building on campus preserved from the 1950s era.

Community Input for the Project

With the community invested from the start of the project, their voices continued to be heard by GLS Architects as plans evolved. A tree on campus immediately became a concern for citizens that wanted it saved for sentimental reasons. Because the campus had operated in different capacities since the 1950s, this treasured icon was the topic of many calls to the district as generations of former students lobbied for its preservation. The tree became a beloved part of the design and remains as a focal point of a green space with seating beneath for the next generation to enjoy.

Sprawling tree on middle school campus — The Favorite Tree (before construction began) was incorporated in the design.

A Rainy Evening’s Lasting Legacy

Looking back, that rainy evening tour was more than a moment of revelation—it was the spark that ignited a lasting change. What began as a hesitant step forward has blossomed into a legacy of progress, unity, and pride. The revitalized middle school stands as a testament to what a community can achieve when it comes together, ensuring that generations of students and residents will benefit from its transformation for years to come.