Fort Bend ISD opens three upgraded campuses — including a brand-new Mission Bend Elementary — as 80,000 students return.
FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas — Around 80,000 students returned to Fort Bend ISD schools Tuesday, and for some, the first day of the new year came with a major upgrade.
This year, the district opened three new elementary campuses — including a brand-new Mission Elementary School built on the site of the old campus that was demolished a few years ago. The new building now houses students from Mission Bend and Mission Glen.
Mission Elementary alumni and KHOU 11’s Ugochi Iloka returned to her old neighborhood to see the transformation. “I actually grew up in this neighborhood and went to elementary school in the old building,” she said. “So I’m so happy to see the brand new Mission Elementary school building opening today.”
Blue carpet welcome
Students and parents were greeted with a blue carpet entrance, cheers, and high-fives from school staff and district administrators. The multi-million-dollar facility is designed to hold at least 1,000 students.
Fifth grader Andrea McCurry said the upgrade is hard to miss. “It was really small, the classrooms weren’t in the best shape,” she said of the old campus.
Parents shared similar excitement. “Wow, it’s big — it’s huge!” said Daniel, a parent seeing the new school for the first time. Latarsha Roberts, another parent, added, “It’s two stories now, which is also amazing. We live right behind here. So we were able to see it from the demolition on up to where it is now.”
More campuses debut
Mission Elementary wasn’t the only one to open its doors this year. The district also celebrated the brand-new Aldridge Elementary and a fully renovated Ferndell Henry Elementary, which is now serving elementary students for the first time.
The projects were funded by a voter-approved 2023 Bond. The new Mission Elementary cost about $43 million to build. Students also received free school supplies on opening day.
As the district looks ahead, Mission Elementary’s new mascot — the astronaut — serves as a reminder for students to “reach for the stars.”