New Webb replaces school built in 1960
When Webb Elementary School originally opened in 1993, it was in a building built in 1960 as Nichols Junior High. But today, Webb has a brand-new building for the first time. The district celebrated the much-needed new facility with a dedication ceremony and open house last Friday, complete with a live wallaby, the school’s mascot.
The wallaby was joined on the cafetorium stage by Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, who praised Arlington’s students as the city’s greatest asset, and new Texas Rep. Salman Bhojani, who presented a resolution from the state honoring the district and new school. Sam Houston High School’s mariachi band, Lamar High School cheerleaders and Webb students all also added to the celebration.
The state-of-the-art facility replaced the old Webb, which is right next door. With 21st-century learning spaces – including collaboration areas for every grade – modern technology, fine arts rooms, STEM labs, covered playgrounds with equipment accessible for every child, and state-of-the-art special education facilities, the new Webb does much more than just replace an old school building. It equips every single student for success today and for decades to come.
“The wait is finally over, and the dream has come true,” said Arlington ISD superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos to the Webb community. “Now, you have a beautiful facility designed for you. It’s a building designed to match what makes Webb so special – your love and your community. What’s never changed at Webb – and won’t change now – are the people. You love Webb, and you love each other. Forever it will be that love that holds it together.”
The wait was also finally over for an official Webb logo. Webb’s administrators unveiled a new school logo at the dedication ceremony to loud cheers from Webb’s teachers. This is the first time the school has had an official logo, which features a wallaby and a sunshine. The sun harkens to the school’s namesake, John Webb, whose favorite song was “You are My Sunshine.” 
The new Webb Elementary opened in January and is the first of four school replacements funded by the 2019 Bond.
“The 2019 Bond is allowing us to transform our district with rebuilding four of our schools that need it most,” said Arlington ISD Board of Trustees President Melody Fowler. “The new school at Webb, followed by three more, are designed to provide our students with the best possible educational experience. They’re places our students want to be and feel inspired to learn in.”
In addition to Webb, a new Berry and new Thornton elementary are also under construction, slated to open for the 2023-24 school year. Finally, Carter Junior High will be replaced with a new building at a new location – the site of the former Knox Elementary (and now the temporary Thornton). The new Carter is currently in design.
The 2019 Bond is doing a lot more than building four schools. Learn about all the bond projects at aisd.net/bond2019, from new playgrounds to new school buses.