Bond Progress

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE ACROSS EMS ISD

The future is taking shape across Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. Progress from the 2023 bond program is visible in every corner, from the nearly complete new Wayside
Middle School building to the Dick and
Heidi Elkins Agricultural Science Complex.

For students and staff at Wayside, that progress is personal. “They’ve been able to see their future being built right before their eyes,” said Construction Manager Aaron Hardisty. “Every day, they watch their new campus take shape, and that excitement builds with it.”

Wayside Middle School: A Legacy Reimagined 

With a history spanning more than 60 years, Wayside Middle School is entering a new era as phase one construction nears completion on its rebuilt campus. The new building, located next door to its existing campus near Old Decatur Road and Bailey Boswell Road, is on schedule to open in January 2026.

Inside, finishing touches such as flooring, ceilings, and paint are underway as staff prepare for a winter break move-in. The next phase after move-in will include demolition of the old campus and installation of new athletic fields, tennis courts, and parking areas.

“Wayside is one of our legacy campuses,” said Hunter Lee, EMS ISD Director of Construction and Bond Planning. “We’re taking a facility that has served generations of families and giving it new life, built to today’s standards and ready for the future.”

 The new campus also reflects EMS ISD’s    focus on sustainability with geothermal heating and cooling systems, smart lighting controls, and bi-polar ionizers that enhance indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

Dick and Heidi Elkins Agricultural Science Complex: Expanding Opportunities 

Across town, crews have broken ground on the Dick and Heidi Elkins Agricultural Science Complex, which is scheduled to open in fall 2026. The new facility, located on Mustang Rock Road across from Marine Creek Middle School, will expand agricultural education opportunities and provide students with flexible learning and event spaces.

The complex will feature a multi-use arena designed to host stock shows, rodeos, and student events, as well as an expanded barn with additional pens for livestock, including steers for the first time in EMS ISD.

“The arena gives us so many new possibilities,” Lee said. “It’s a space that brings together education, community, and tradition in  one facility.”

When complete, the complex will serve as a cornerstone for agricultural education in EMS ISD, supporting growing programs while   creating opportunities for students to learn and lead through hands-on experiences.

Looking Ahead 

Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2026 on two major additions at Saginaw High School. The new field house with an indoor turf facility (funded by the 2017 bond) will provide equitable athletic facilities across all EMS ISD high schools, and an expanded theater scene shop (funded by the 2023 bond).

Planning is underway for the district’s next elementary campus, in partnership with the City of Fort Worth and local developers, with construction expected to begin spring 2026.

A four-classroom addition on the ADC side of Watson High School with
a cafeteria expansion is scheduled to begin in summer 2026 to support
enrollment growth.

Each project reflects EMS ISD’s commitment to building for today’s learners and tomorrow’s possibilities, delivering spaces where students thrive and educators inspire. “Our staff, leadership, and community come together with one goal — to provide exceptional facilities and learning environments for every student,” Lee said. “That collaboration is what makes this district so special.”