Lake Jackson, Texas – VLK Architects celebrated breaking ground on the replacement of Brazosport ISD’s Bess Brannen Elementary. Celebrating the school’s 50th anniversary, and located on the outer edge of the surrounding neighborhood along Highway 2004, the construction of the new elementary aims to greatly improve traffic at the intersection of ‘That Way’ and ‘Anchusa Street’ by providing extensive off-street stacking lanes at the main entrance drive, as well as a dedicated bus/van drop off area, and an additional drop off location at the rear of the school. This state-of-the-art facility is the fourth iteration of a prototype funded by the district’s 2014 bond and will serve over 750 students in grades pre-kindergarten through four.

The new building is designed to promote outdoor engagement with a centrally located media center and connected green space. A large multipurpose area functions as a cafeteria and gym and will further serve as a meeting space for large events. The design within each classroom allows for natural light as well as for areas dedicated to collaborative learning in classroom wings. Each wing includes 13 classrooms, a teacher planning area, and restrooms. Two elevators and a centrally located stairway

provide access to the second floor of the school. The overall goal of incorporating the outdoor learning and play areas is to support the play areas located outside of each individual wing of the building.
The new Bess Brannen Elementary will include safety and security features such as electronic door locks, entrance vestibule, security fencing, cameras, and more. The building has been designed to meet the student’s varying learning styles for years to come.

“We all should feel honored and blessed to be a part of a community that values education, educators, and youth,” said Danny Massey, Superintendent, Brazosport Independent School District.
The school is scheduled to open in the fall 2020.