Del Valle ISD staff updated trustees on construction progress for High School No. 2 at the Oct. 21 board meeting and described active interior and exterior work across multiple building areas while noting outstanding infrastructure permits tied to the adjacent Whisper Valley development.

Mr. Mark Willoughby (presenting on behalf of district construction staff) said voters approved a $300 million bond package in May 2022 that funds the new campus and other projects. Willoughby described progress in multiple zones: CTE areas moving toward hard-lid completion with cabinetry and welding booths arriving; classroom wings in tape/float/paint stages; gym and locker-room exterior brick and interior painting; fine-arts framing and mechanical/electrical work; and masonry and paving for the field house and adjacent parking. He said significant earthwork and concrete paving have improved site access.

Willoughby told the board the project team received a Travis County site permit Aug. 22 to allow work in the flood plain and that the contractor is coordinating with Austin Energy for permanent power design. However, he said a Phase 8A permit tied to Whisper Valley developer infrastructure (roads, water, permanent power) remains pending with the City of Austin; that permit is outside the district’s application but affects delivery of utilities to the campus. Willoughby said Austin Fire Department final reviews are pending for some ceiling closures but expected by the end of the following week.

Trustees asked whether the August 2027 opening date remains achievable. Willoughby replied the district is still scheduled for August 2027 but said delays in Whisper Valley’s delivery of permanent utilities could affect that timeline and that the district would need a clear status on critical infrastructure by August 2026 to make schedule decisions.

Ending: Construction is advancing on the building envelope and interiors while the district and contractor continue to coordinate with Whisper Valley’s developer and City of Austin on infrastructure permits that could affect the final schedule.