Austin ISD opens modernized Wooten Elementary after 2022 bond rebuild

Wooten Elementary School welcomed students, staff and community members for a grand opening ceremony celebrating a campus rebuilt with funds from Austin ISD’s 2022 bond.

Fifth grader Victoria Abel, who said she began at Wooten in kindergarten and spent part of her elementary years learning on Zoom and in portables, told the assembled crowd, "The new school looks great, and I'm sure other kids will love it here too." Student songwriters Ada and Abel Black also performed during the program.

Superintendent Matias Segura said the modernized campus was designed with students in mind and called the day "remarkable." "This school is for you," Segura told students, thanking trustees, city partners and district staff for their work on the project.

Trustee Foster and Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela both praised the school’s history and the partnership between the district and the city. Vela called the building "a gorgeous building," and said the project and related sidewalk, park and neighborhood improvements will make the area safer and more inviting for families.

Assistant Principal Martha Sanchez described the campus as already full of learning and pride after staff moved in on short notice: "We came in on the fifth and we were ready on the sixth," she said, and noted the opening honors the school’s 70-year community legacy and its namesake, Dr. Goodall Harrison Wooten.

Event organizers recognized project partners—including Kirksey (architects), Flipco (general contractor) and AECOM (program manager)—and asked teachers, parents and community members who served on the campus architect team to stand for applause. The district also announced teacher awards: Anne Quintanilla was named Teacher of the Year and Ms. Mejia was named Teacher of Promise.

The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting and group photo with teachers, aides and district leaders. No votes or formal board actions were recorded during the event.