Buildings
Waelder Elementary School (built in 1967)
Waelder Junior High School (built in 1967)
Waelder High School (built in 1937)
Waelder ISD Cafeteria
Ralphe Bunche Gym
All three of the main school buildings and the cafeteria are located just off Highway 90 and comprise one city block. As of 2006, there are about 250 students enrolled in grades K-12 and the district employs 43 people (professional and paraprofessional).
On May 12, 2007, voters approved a $3.8 million bond referendum that will be used to build a new high school and a new gymnasium while also funding much needed renovations for the elementary, junior high and cafeteria. Many Waelder residents see the passing of the bond in 2007 as a historic moment since WISD had not had a bond election in 40 years and the previous two bonds were more or less the result of federal laws. $120,000 was passed in 1957 to build the Ralph Bunche School for African-Americans due to segregation and $329,000 was passed in 1967 to build a new junior high and elementary school due to integration.
Construction on the new high school and gymnasium started in November 2007. School officials hope to have the high school ready for the 2008-2009 school year. They also hope to have the gymnasium finished in time for the opening game of the 2008-2009 basketball season. While all future basketball games are slated to be played in the new gymnasium, the project will not be complete in time for the volleyball season.
The game between Waelder and Prairie Lea on February 5, 2008 marked the final time a WISD basketball team would take the court at Ralph Bunche Gym. At the conclusion of the boys basketball game, there was a ceremony held to commemorate 50 years of memories on the hardwood. Current and former players, along with other alumni, also participated in a net-cutting ceremony.
Read more about this topic: Waelder Independent School District
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