New facility groundbreakings are historically held at the very first phase of construction. However, when construction first began in May of this year, the pandemic was at its peak which prevented the District from officially kicking off the project with community guests present.
“I think seeing the steel frame of our new school rising behind us makes for an even more exciting moment for everyone who had a hand in this important project,” said CCISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Greg Smith.
Smith took time to recognize the CCISD Facility Advisory Committee that was charged with identifying and weighing potential bond projects, like the Clear View High School rebuild, which would ultimately be put to a community vote, and approved, during the Bond 2017 referendum. He also thanked the CCISD Board of Trustees for supporting the vision for Clear View High and finally, the voters who “agreed that bringing Clear View High School up to 21st Century standards was a need, not a want.”
GROUNDBREAKING
“I believe that the rebuild of Clear View High School is especially groundbreaking,” he said. “Not just because the original building itself dates back to 1938, and not just because it holds the storied history of our school district as the former Webster High School. It is groundbreaking because starting in about 15 months, the new and beautiful outer, visible layers of this campus will match the heart and soul of this unique high school. Its rebirth will be enjoyed by many students in the years to come.”
Clear View High is a school of choice designed to serve the academic needs of the secondary at-risk student population in CCISD by a team of dedicated teachers and staff members. Through smaller class sizes, strong support systems, innovative instruction and unique Career and Technical Education programs which lead to job certifications, Clear View High is widely known as a game changer, and to its students, “a place to begin, belong and become.”
“I stand here amazed at the tangible, significant and beautiful investment that our Clear Creek ISD citizens have made for current and future generations,” Clear View High Principal Monica Speaks said. “I know with certainty that this display of commitment to each child does not occur everywhere. We understand that this is special and for this we are truly grateful and excited.”
KEY FEATURES
The Clear View High School rebuild project cost is $45,162,961. Key features include:
- New facilities, including classrooms and labs, for Career and Technical Education Programs
- Audio/Video Production
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Cosmetology
- Welding, a new District-wide program offering in CCISD
- New multi-purpose commons area with space for performances, presentations and cafeteria service
- New stage to serve as a black box performance area, classroom space or presentation station to commons
- New art courtyard
- New centrally located media center
- New collaboration spaces and modern classrooms
“I’ve come to know just how beloved Clear View High School is within our community,” she said. Speaks recognized several special guests in the audience including the parent booster club, the Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families, Space Center and Seabrook Rotary Clubs and Difference Makers.
LEADER IN ME
Clear View High School is also one of the newest campuses in CCISD to welcome The Leader In Me, a whole-school transformation program. Representatives of program underwriter Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital were also present and recognized at the ceremony. “We can’t wait to see where this program takes our student leaders in their new home,” Smith said.
Several students were on hand at the celebration representing their peers and signature Clear View programs and clubs: Emily Hopshire represented The Leader In Me, Aisha Lopez-Mendez represented the Peer Assistance Leadership (PALs), Samantha Hollman represented Interact Club, Yazmine Perez represented the Cosmetology Program, and Blake Seeberger represented the Certified Nursing Assistant Program.
The District also thanked PBK Architects, Drymalla Construction Co. and the City of Webster for their collaborative work and support of the major rebuild project. It was announced that the original art deco Clear View High School main entrance will be preserved. A new exterior wall will be added to protect the historic structure until a future purpose is determined. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2021, welcoming students through its new doors in January 2022.
