CLIFTON, TX Clifton ISD administration, students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction on the district's new replacement elementary school and performing arts center. These projects were part of the $25 million bond referendum approved by voters in May of 2016.

Clifton ISD Superintendent, Rhoda White, welcomed everyone to the ceremony and expressed her gratitude to the Citizens Committee and to VLK Architects for assisting in passing the bond which brought forth the construction of these projects. Both facilities are scheduled to open in the Fall of 2018.

"We are so grateful to members of the Citizens Committee and our board of trustees who made this new school possible for our community," said White. "VLK takes great pride in the quality of work they do for Clifton ISD and we are thankful for their expertise in the design of this beautiful elementary school."

The new 68,000-square-foot Clifton Elementary School will replace the district's current 77-year-old elementary campus and will showcase 21st century learning features such as open collaboration spaces in each grade level pod, adequate parking for staff and visitors, and a cafetorium for assemblies. Some cost-effective design solutions that will be featured are the clerestory windows to access more natural light and LED fixtures throughout.

The construction of a new performing arts center was also commemorated at the groundbreaking ceremony. The goal for this new center is to create a more centralized spot for all school campuses and the Clifton community to utilize. It will also replace the district's 67-year-old Bettis Auditorium. The new 690 seat auditorium will be located adjacent to Clifton High School's band hall and will have plenty of space for full choir and band performances, one act plays, graduation ceremonies, staff development, and civic meetings.