During the Nov. 10 board meeting, Denton Independent School District (DISD) trustees approved a $5.37 million budget increase to the general construction contract for the Ginnings Elementary rebuild. The added funds will allow the district to expand the campus from a pre‑kindergarten‑through‑fifth‑grade school to a pre‑kindergarten‑through‑eighth‑grade academy.
Why the expansion matters for families
The decision reflects growing demand from Denton families for a single‑site school that can serve children from early childhood through middle school. By keeping younger and older students together, the district hopes to provide continuity of education, reduce transportation costs for families, and strengthen community ties across a broader age range.
Design changes and new facilities
The updated architectural plan, prepared by Corgan Associates Inc., adds several features specifically for middle‑school students:
- An activity room adjacent to the gymnasium
- Dedicated dressing rooms for grades 6‑8
- A second science laboratory
- A second art classroom
- A fine‑arts multipurpose room
- Campus finishes and branding that reflect a wider age span
These additions are intended to give middle‑school learners the same quality of space and resources that elementary students have enjoyed at Ginnings.
Financial impact and timeline
The construction guaranteed‑maximum price (GMP) will rise by $4.91 million, while additional design fees and testing soft costs add $457,038. The total probable cost of the project climbs from $63.28 million to $68.65 million.
DISD originally set the GMP at roughly $57.68 million and the total probable cost at nearly $63.28 million in August 2025. The $5.37 million adjustment also pushes the projected substantial‑completion date back by 155 days, moving it from spring 2027 to Oct. 26 2027.
What’s next for students and parents
While the new campus is under construction, current Ginnings students have been rezoned to nearby Evers Park, Hodge, and Schulz elementary schools. The district has not yet announced a revised opening date for the PK‑8 campus, but officials indicated that the expanded timeline will still allow the school to open for the 2027‑28 academic year.
Community members who want more details can contact DISD directly; the board did not provide additional information at the meeting.
Context of the project
Ginnings Elementary was temporarily closed ahead of the 2025‑26 school year to rebuild the campus under the district’s voter‑approved 2023 bond package, which allocated more than $1.4 billion for school construction across Denton County. The original rebuild plan called for a pre‑K‑5 facility, the same model the school used before its closure.
The expansion to a PK‑8 academy aligns with DISD’s broader strategy to maximize the use of new facilities and provide families with more flexible schooling options. By integrating middle‑school grades into the same campus, the district hopes to reduce the need for separate middle‑school buildings and streamline operations.
Community response
Local parents and community leaders have expressed mixed reactions. Some welcome the convenience of a single campus for their children, while others are concerned about potential crowding and the impact on traffic around the school site. DISD has pledged to monitor enrollment numbers and adjust transportation plans as needed.
Overall, the board’s approval of the budget increase demonstrates a commitment to delivering a modern, comprehensive educational environment for Denton families, while staying within the financial parameters set by the 2023 bond voters.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Denton — read the source article.
