Texarkana ISD celebrates opening of Parks Elementary

TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) — Students and staff are finding their footing and the final vision is coming together at Parks Elementary.

“We have an amazing team and just as everything comes up, we handle it professionally and with kindness. We’re just so excited for everybody that’s here.” says Parks Elementary Principal Audrey Shumate.

The new campus is one of the latest fruits born out of a 2022 bond.

Texarkana Independent School District Superintendent Doug Brubaker says “It’s all part of our Imagine 2026 strategic plan and it’s really exciting to see so many of those projects come to fruition because of the support of our community.”

At a ceremony to introduce those community members to the new campus by officially cutting the ribbon, there was care given to recognize how we got here. Beyond bringing together Highland Park and Spring Lake Park into one school, it is also built on the site of the former Pine Street Middle School.

“The building had become derelict and it sat vacant for a number of years and had to be torn down. To take that site and to renew it in this way so that it can be used again by generations of students for years to come is really exciting.” says Brubaker.

The former Principal of Pine Street Middle School, George Moore, was a part of the ceremony. Where he expressed pride for the past and optimism for the future.

“Seeing what the community has done to improve our students’ learning and their behavior because we do know that a building, a new building, for some reason inspires students to study harder and be better students.” says Moore

When it comes down to it though, he says it’s what happens inside these walls that will shape the student’s lives.

“It’s not about the building. It’s about expectations. Empathy, love, and just treating everyone the way you want to be treated but have high expectations.” says Moore.