“For 51 years haggard middle school has held a special place in Plano ISD’s story,” said Dr. Theresa Williams, Plano ISD Superintendent. “It has been a place where students have learned, grown, discovered their strengths, and formed lasting connections. This new building honors that legacy while opening the door to a new era. It gives Haggard students the spaces, resources, and the opportunities they need to learn collaborate and prepare for what comes next.”

The new Haggard Middle School sits on 11-acres of an existing 90-acre site adjacent to the former middle school and Plano Senior High. The 187,873 sf, multi-level facility was designed to serve as a next-generation learning environment that honors Haggard Middle School’s legacy while preparing students for the future. The building features two separate academic wings, one two-story and one three-story, positioned on the west side of the property, while shared facilities including fine arts, cafeteria/auditorium, athletics, and gymnasiums are located on the east side.

The campus design prioritizes student learning and community connection. A main corridor running east to west includes a three-story monumental stair that connects all grade levels and overlooks the main library, with a glass façade visible from the front of the building. The central gathering space provides access to administration and shared facilities while creating a visual heart for the campus. The school includes specialized learning spaces for CTE courses, special education, and deaf education programming.

“Haggard Middle School is an integral part of the Plano community,” said Ross Rivers, Managing Principal at VLK. “We’re honored that Plano ISD put their trust in us to design this storied project and look forward to decades of student success to come from this campus.”

Beyond the school building, the campus will feature athletic facilities including a 300-meter track and four new tennis courts supporting Haggard’s tradition of excellence in both academics and athletics.

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Most recently, Dr. Noonan served as Superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools, where he led the division to be named the top-ranked school system in the Commonwealth of Virginia from 2018 through 2025. During his tenure, he successfully passed the largest bond referendum in Falls Church history and oversaw the construction of a new high school, delivered on time and on budget. Before Falls Church, he served as Superintendent of City of Fairfax Schools and as Chief Academic Officer for Fairfax County Public Schools, where he provided leadership oversight for 200 schools serving more than 172,000 students in the nation’s 11th-largest school system.

“Peter’s arrival gives our Virginia clients something rare — an educational planner who has sat in the superintendent’s chair when the bond referendum passed and the ribbon was cut,” said Dr. Dalane Bouillion, Chief Development Officer at VLK. “That’s the caliber of leadership now at the table with our districts, collaborating and helping to guide decisions that benefit the students and communities we serve.”

Dr. Noonan holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech, a Master of Arts in Education from the University of New Mexico, and has served as adjunct and affiliate faculty at both George Mason University and Virginia Tech. He also serves as Executive Director of the Washington Area Superintendents’ Study Council, a regional network supporting superintendent leadership and collaboration across member school districts. Throughout his career, he has presented and facilitated professional learning at the division, state, and national levels, and has been recognized with numerous honors including the 2024 Educator of the Year Award from the United States Distance Learning Association and the 2020 Virginia State Superintendent of the Year.

“I am so excited and honored to be working alongside the incredibly talented team of architects in VLK’s Arlington, Virginia studio, building our collective capacity to design schools that meet the needs of today’s learners – and tomorrow’s,” said Dr. Noonan.

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“We’re grateful for the relationship we’ve built with Liberty Hill ISD, and this campus is the product of that,” said Tim Kunz, Managing Principal at VLK. “Lariat Trails Elementary is a thoughtfully designed campus that demonstrates what happens when a school district, community, architect, and builder work together with a clear vision. Every design decision was made to support student success and operational excellence.”

The design process began in early 2024 fitting the campus to the unique site, on heavily sloped terrain, with approximately 54 feet of elevation change from northwest to southeast. Rather than work against this natural topography, the design embraces it, creating a split-level campus that follows the contours of the land. The building entry sits at the main level, with classrooms and learning spaces stepping down naturally to the lower level. This two-story design maximizes efficiency, creating a smaller footprint while allowing for ample parking and pedestrian circulation.

The gym and cafeteria are strategically located at the front of the building to provide convenient access for after-school events, games, performances, and community gatherings. This placement also reduces sound transfer to classroom spaces during the typical school day. Classroom environments serving grades K-5 are organized in distinctive wings that create small learning communities for each grade level, fostering connection and collaboration among students and staff.

The library serves as the heart of Lariat Trails Elementary, providing a centralized location where all students gather to access resources, collaborate, and develop their passion for learning. The flexible, inviting space is designed to encourage exploration and shared learning. An adjacent makerspace fosters hands-on creative innovation within the library neighborhood. The library connects directly to an outdoor balcony that leads to an enclosed courtyard, extending learning opportunities beyond the building and into the outdoor environment.

The new elementary school will open its doors to students on Wednesday, August 12 for the 2026-2027 school year.

Photos from the Lariat Trails Elementary School Ribbon Cutting:

About VLK: VLK provides architecture, planning, and interior design services to automotive, K-12, higher education, corporate, and institutional clients, delivering innovative solutions for their specific needs. For more information, please visit our website: www.vlkarchitects.com or contact marketing@vlkarchitects.com.

About Liberty Hill ISD: Liberty Hill Independent School District is a 5A public school district in the scenic Texas Hill Country, just 30 miles northwest of Austin, serving more than 10,000 students, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade across 14 campuses. The district’s mission is to build future-ready graduates empowered to be the best version of themselves through a commitment to building champions in academics, character, and community.

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“Nasario’s recognition is a testament to his talent and dedication,” said Sloan Harris, VLK CEO | Chairman. “He represents the best of our next generation of architects as a thoughtful leader who is committed to advancing the profession and serving his community. We’re grateful to have him on our team and excited to see what he’ll accomplish throughout his career.”

Arreguin, based in VLK’s San Antonio office, exemplifies the qualities the award recognizes. His contributions to the design profession, coupled with his commitment to professional service and community engagement, have set him apart among his peers. Through his work and professional involvement, Arreguin has demonstrated the leadership and innovation that define professionals making lasting impact in the architecture industry. He contributes to various industry organizations such as the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), the ACE Mentor Program, AIA San Antonio, and internally on VLK’s internal Culture + Visioning Syndicate, as a VLK Ambassador, and as an Associate.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Arreguin. “Thank you to everyone who has challenged, supported, and believed in me along the way. I look forward to continuing to serve our profession and the community.”

The award was celebrated at the 2026 People + Place Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, July 28, at The Carlos Alvarez Theatre at the Tobin Center in San Antonio. The ceremony recognized professional achievement of AIA San Antonio chapter members, design excellence of award-winning projects, and community leadership.

About VLK: VLK provides architecture, planning, and interior design services to automotive, K-12, higher education, corporate, and institutional clients, delivering innovative solutions for their specific needs. For more information, please visit our website: www.vlkarchitects.com or contact marketing@vlkarchitects.com.

About AIA San Antonio: AIA San Antonio serves the professional needs of more than 600 architect and associate members; and over 85 Allied companies working in fields related to architecture, design and construction in the greater San Antonio area and 22 surrounding counties. Since its founding in 1953, AIA San Antonio has been the leading voice for architecture in the San Antonio region. For more information visit www.aiasa.org.

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“I am truly honored to receive this prestigious award from the Fort Worth Chapter of CSI. My involvement with CSI has been both meaningful and deeply rewarding, giving me far more than I could have imagined when I first began contributing to the organization,” said Tracy Loftin. “Through CSI, I have had the privilege of meeting many generous and knowledgeable professionals in the architecture and construction industry who have enriched my learning and supported my career over the years.”

CSI is an association that brings together professionals across the architecture, engineering, and construction industries to improve the communication of construction information and elevate facility performance. Each year, CSI’s Fort Worth Chapter honors individuals who have gone above and beyond in support of that mission with the Albert S. Komatsu Award. Komatsu, a Fort Worth architect known for his midcentury modern work across the city and civic projects such as the Japanese Garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, passed away in October 2024 at the age of 97. He leaves behind a legacy defined by decades of design excellence, community investment, and mentorship across the architecture and construction industries. The award honors that legacy by recognizing those who carry it forward.

In her 39 years with VLK, Loftin has been a foundational presence, joining in the firm’s earliest years and growing alongside it into the respected resource she is today. Known across the firm as an authority on specification writing, she is equally valued as a mentor to those navigating the field. Her contributions extend well beyond VLK; within the Fort Worth CSI Chapter, Loftin has served in multiple leadership roles over the course of three decades, including as Secretary and Awards Chairman, and has been recognized with the Outstanding Professional Member Award, Chapter Commendation Award, and Certificate of Appreciation. Outside the industry, she remains equally committed to her community through longstanding involvement in the arts, a reflection of the same dedication she brings to her professional work.

“This is an incredible accomplishment and a much-deserved honor for Tracy,” said Sloan Harris, CEO | Chairman of VLK. “Tracy’s expertise and commitment to service and mentorship within our profession have made her an invaluable resource to VLK and the broader design and construction community. We are proud to see her receive this prestigious recognition.”

About CSI: Founded in 1948, CSI is a national association of more than 8,000 experts in building construction and the materials used therein. They are dedicated to improving the communication of construction information through a diversified membership base of allied professionals involved in the creation and management of the built environment. Their mission is to advance building information management and education of project teams to improve facility performance.

About CSIFW: FWCSI does more than provide networking – expect high-quality education programs and events that help members share real-world solutions and better understand the roles and responsibilities of each member of the construction team.

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Today, public schools are some of the most important institutions in our societies. While they mirror our societies, they bring our ideals and our issues into focus. But in the contemporary world, characterized by the shifts in people’s values and beliefs, political polarization, and financial uncertainty, it is more complicated to build and sustain the trust between schools and the communities they serve. However, it is especially in these unstable conditions that such trust is necessary.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF EDUCATION

Community engagement in public schools goes beyond the mere attendance of events or meetings called by the schools. It is a mutual partnership between the educators, students, parents, the community, and other organizations to ensure that the school is a safe place for learning and positive development of the students. Studies have time and again shown that high levels of community engagement are linked with better student performance. According to the National Education Association (NEA), schools with high levels of community engagement have better graduation rates and academic performance (NEA, 2020). For instance, a study by the Harvard Family Research Project indicated that students in active communities are more emotionally balanced and have fewer cases of disciplinary problems (Weiss et al., 2005). The author of the report pointed out that family involvement at home, at school, and in the community makes a big difference in the child’s academic achievement, attendance, and behavior. The children who have a support system of the community members are likely to feel wanted and motivated to learn and excel in their academics and other activities. Furthermore, in the modern world, schools are usually short of funds and therefore community partnerships are valuable assets. Relationships with local companies and nonprofits can help close the financial gap and provide students with more opportunities for learning. Such alliances, apart from improving the educational environment, also enhance the social and economic status of the community.

METHODS FOR DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING TRUST:

The development of trust is not something that can happen on its own, it requires effort and planning. Some possible ways schools can develop real community trust include the following:

Clear and Frequent Communication:

As a way of passing information to the community, it is important to ensure that each school has published clear policies, the latest curriculum, and scheduled events. Using different media channels like newsletters, social media, and community forums guarantees that no one is left behind

Decision Making That Involves Everyone:

Involvement of the various stakeholders in the community in decision-making processes creates a feeling of ownership and accountability. Creating advisory boards or holding town hall meetings is a great way to engage everyone in the conversation.

Honesty and Accountability:

Trust is well maintained when schools deliver on promises, reply fast to questions, and are open in their operations. This is because leadership with ethical standards deals with issues and provides solutions to them.

Partnership with Local Actors:

Interacting with local businesses, cultural institutions, and civic organizations can help to enrich the educational offerings and offer learning experiences that are relevant to the real world. These partnerships can also be seen as evidence for the school’s involvement in the community.

Celebrating Successes Together:

Celebrating the achievements of students, staff, and the community fosters positive relations and encourages a shared vision. Documenting progress and celebrating the small and big successes, at the same time, creates a bond.

Some good practices of community engagement in schools can be found in the following cases:

BRAZOSPORT ISD:

BISD embarked on a comprehensive four-phase master plan to renovate Brazoswood High School, which entailed building a new high school facility, a multisport field house, and a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) building. The new CTE provides training in culinary arts, STEM, welding, manufacturing, veterinary science, floral design, health science, and information technology. These programs equip students with skills and certifications that prepare them for both college and future careers.

The involvement of community industry partners in the design of a new high school, particularly one focused on CTE, was essential to creating a future-ready learning environment. These partners played a vital role in aligning learning spaces, specialized equipment, and skill development with current industry standards, making education more relevant and engaging for students. Throughout the design process, industry professionals offered valuable insights, constructive feedback, and real-world examples of flexible, authentic, hands-on environments that simulate modern workplaces. Their participation not only strengthened community connections but also helped establish clear pathways to student success through internships, mentorships, and job placement opportunities. The district and industry partnerships during the high school design process support a seamless transition from high school CTE pathways to future careers.

“The mission of Brazosport ISD is to graduate each student to be future ready and it is our belief that partnerships are vital to strengthening learning experiences for our students,” said Superintendent Danny Massey. “Through these partnerships with local industries and businesses, we have the opportunity to understand workforce demands to ensure we are graduating students with skills needed for high-wage and high-demand areas.”

WAXAHACHIE ISD:

Due to the high rate of student population increase, WISD worked with educators, architects, and the community to design Waxahachie Creek High School. The new 520,000 sf campus, set to open in the 2027-2028 school year, will be able to handle up to 3,200 students. Design charrettes were a vital part of the VLK | LAUNCH® process for Waxahachie ISD, providing two collaborative, hands-on workshops where stakeholders could actively take part in shaping the vision and design for the new high school. These collaborative meetings brought together students, teachers, parents, community members, and district leaders to explore innovative ideas such as CTE programming, future-ready learning spaces, and flexible environments into design concepts. The VLK | LAUNCH® process encouraged real-time feedback, collaborative teamwork, and creative problem-solving resulting in shared excitement and overarching design for the project. The project is a good example of how community engagement can lead to the development of facilities that are not only suitable for the current educational needs but also for the future. The project is a good example of how community engagement can lead to the development of facilities that are not only suitable for current educational needs but also for the future (VLK | LAUNCH®, 2024).

HOUSTON ISD:

Condit Elementary, serving the Bellaire community, was shaped by strong parent, teacher, and community involvement throughout the design process. Stakeholders participated in a design charrette to help define the vision and goals for the new school, placing a strong emphasis on honoring the historical connection between the school and its community. At the forefront of the design was the desire for a transformational learning environment that reflected both the past and future of learning.

Bi-monthly meetings with the project advisory team ensured the continued integration of community values and historical elements into the evolving design. The overarching design concept, ‘Education is the Ribbon that Ties the Community Together,’ guided the entire process, inspiring a school that is a connected collaborative environment and a reflection of shared history. This collaborative environment ensured historical features from the original 100-year-old building were carefully preserved and incorporated, while a timeline in the main hallway chronicles key moments in the existing school, the Bellaire community, and major historic events of the world. Shared spaces such as the gym, cafetorium, and outdoor areas are open for community use supporting a sense of pride, connection, and belonging.

“Condit Elementary is a special school,” said Principal Daniel Greenberg. “Thanks to the forward-thinking leadership of HISD, VLK and the community, the learning experience for Condit students reflects the times they are living in; a modern, 21st-century world.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUST AS IT TRANSFORMS SCHOOLS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES:

Improved Student Motivation

Students are more likely to attend school on a regular basis, pay attention in class, and participate in other co-curricular activities when they have a community that supports them.

Stronger in Crisis

Schools that are based on trust can manage the challenges of health crises, natural disasters, or financial constraints with the help of their students, parents, and teachers.

Improved Educator Morale

Teachers work better in environments where their efforts are appreciated and supported, which leads to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.

Sustainable Community Development

The community benefits from a highly educated citizenry, who are more likely to be actively involved in the community and the economy.

CONCLUSION

In times of uncertainty, the relationship between schools and their communities becomes a vital source of strength. Building trust through open communication, inclusive decision-making, and authentic partnerships not only strengthens educational outcomes—it creates schools that reflect the values, history, and aspirations of the people they serve. This trust doesn’t just shape how communities feel about their schools—it directly influences how successful school projects become. When community voices are present from the beginning, as seen in Brazosport ISD, Waxahachie ISD, and Houston ISD, the result is more than a building. It’s a shared vision brought to life—where students thrive, teachers feel supported, and the community sees itself in every hallway, classroom, and common space.

REFERENCES

National Education Association (NEA). (2020). The power of community engagement in education. Retrieved from https://www.nea.org

Weiss, H., Caspe, M., & Lopez, M. E. (2005). Beyond the Head Start father involvement program: The Harvard Family Research Project. Harvard Family Research Project.

Brazosport Independent School District. (2023). Phase 3 for Brazoswood High School. Retrieved from https://www.brazosportisd.net/2019-2020_news/phase_3_for_brazoswood_high_school

VLK | LAUNCH®. (2024). Waxahachie ISD: Engaging communities in school design. VLK Architects. Retrieved from https://www.vlkarchitects.com/case-study/ waxahachie-creek-high-school

Houston Independent School District (2018). Condit ES receives highest honor in school architecture competition. Retrieved from https://blogs.houstonisd.org/news/2018/01/19/condit-es-receives-highest-honor-in-school-architecture-competition/

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It’s hard to believe it has been almost 15 years since I graduated and began my professional journey in architecture. I found myself involved in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) very early on in my career, when my former boss and firm owner brought me — a young, eager, and admittedly unknowing intern — along to lunch-and-learn meetings with the Shreveport AIA Chapter. Looking back, I realize how valuable that seemingly small starting point was in launching every AIA opportunity that has followed, including my current role as President-Elect of the Fort Worth chapter.

Why would anyone want to serve on a professional board, you ask? For me, it’s simple: the chance to build real relationships with the people who shape our local communities, while also carrying our chapter’s voice to state and national stages. It’s a meaningful way to give back and help make things better as we shape our future. It is this spirit that made the Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. earlier this year (formerly known as Grassroots) so special. Think of this as a leadership boot camp and advocacy day rolled into one. The big highlights? Hill Day, inspiring keynotes and sessions, and finally a workshop on excellence in board leadership

Hill Day – Where Texas Voices Made a Difference

Nearly 600 architects from 49 states swarmed Capitol Hill, all with unified messaging:

1. Extending the 179D tax credit—so schools and public buildings can afford energy-saving upgrades
2. Support of housing legislation like the Housing for the 21st Century Act—because strong communities start with good homes
3. Supporting the inclusion of architectural professional degrees as one of the designated professional programs and increasing student loan caps—making it easier for the next generation of architects to chase their dreams without crushing debt
4. Protecting design freedom and public input for federal buildings—ensuring our public spaces stay beautiful and thoughtful, and the voice is given to the local communities they serve

Representing Texas and having our voices heard at the national level with legislators was truly impactful!

Beyond the Hill: Connections That Matter

The next day and a half was packed with workshops and sessions, but April Rinne’s morning keynote “Eight Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change” was my absolute favorite. She introduced the “Flux Mindset,” the mental muscle we all need when everything around us is shifting (sound familiar, educators and community leaders?).

Her big challenge to us: “You are expected to lead in today’s world as it is—not yesterday’s world or the world as you wish it were,” and our mindset around uncertainty and change are directly integral to our success as individuals, organizations, businesses, and life.

As our AIA mission puts it so perfectly: “… We gather to celebrate successes, meet shared challenges, and shape the future of our careers, our practice, our profession, and our world.”

That’s exactly what the Summit felt like—connecting with talented state level staff, fellow chapter leaders, and architects doing amazing things across the country, all while stepping into a role so many incredible VLK leaders have held before me. It was a true reminder of why this work matters, and why I’m excited to bring that same collaborative spirit back to every school project and community conversation we have here at home.

Takeaways You Can Use Right Now

• School districts: We’re pushing for tax credits that make high-performance, healthy learning environments more affordable
• Students: Advocacy for fairer student loans means more young people can become the architects who will design your future schools
• Communities: Better housing policy + thoughtful public design = stronger neighborhoods for everyone

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The James R. Wooten Service Award is presented to an AIA Fort Worth member who best exemplifies sustained, consistent, and effective service in advancing the goals of the chapter. Hiles has demonstrated this commitment through his longstanding involvement with AIA Fort Worth, including serving as President and Treasurer, as well as through his continued leadership and advocacy for the profession at both the local and state levels. He currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer on the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners and as a member of NCARB’s Licensure Research and Development Task Force, underscoring his commitment to growing the profession.

“I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful for the recognition,” said Justin Hiles, Chief Information Officer at VLK. “It is an incredible honor to serve the architectural profession, to advocate for its advancement, and to mentor the next generation of talented individuals. This acknowledgment inspires me to continue giving back and supporting our community.”

Hiles has nearly 25 years of experience at VLK, where he now serves as the firm’s inaugural Chief Information Officer. In this role, he leads the strategy and implementation of technology and data systems across VLK’s six offices, aligning innovation with the firm’s broader design and operational goals. His background in architecture and firm leadership, including previous roles as Architecture Director and Chief Operations Officer, informs a holistic approach to advancing both internal performance and client outcomes. His depth of industry knowledge continues to shape the strategies guiding VLK through an evolving technological landscape.

“Recognition like the Wooten Service Award from AIA Fort Worth speaks to the impact Justin has made on our profession,” said Sloan Harris, CEO and Chairman of VLK. “As shapers of the built environment, it’s incumbent on us to play a role in our industry and our community. Justin’s passion for architecture is abundantly evident in his service to VLK’s clients, his leadership in our firm, and his involvement in industry organizations.”

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Alex Nelson, AIA, NCARB

In his nine years at VLK, Nelson has continuously proven himself as a leader in the Austin office. Known for his strategic approach and attention to detail, he maintains a collaborative mindset that helps ensure projects reflect the client’s vision and uphold VLK’s commitment to impactful design. His collaborative style makes him a natural mentor, and he serves as a trusted and respected resource to clients.

Nelson joined VLK in 2017 as an Emerging Professional with a Master of Architecture from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University. He became a licensed Architect in 2020 and was named an Associate at VLK in 2021 for his contributions to the growing Central Texas market.

Signature projects such as Legacy Ranch High School in Liberty Hill ISD and High School No. 2 in Hutto ISD highlight Nelson’s resume. Outside of the office, he is involved in important industry organizations as an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and this year is serving on the Board of Directors for the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) Central Texas Chapter.

“Alex represents the very best of our firm’s culture and values,” said Sloan Harris, CEO | Chairman of VLK. “His dedication to client service, leadership within our teams, and passion for design strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful solutions for our clients and the communities they serve.”

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Stephen Olson, AIA, NCARB

As Practice Technology Director, Stephen Olson leads a firm wide effort to connect people, process, and technology to improve our efficiency and quality of work. With a background in project architecture and BIM leadership, he brings a strong understanding of practice operations and a thoughtful approach to innovation. Olson is known for supporting the growth of those around him, taking time to listen and invest in the development of his team members and colleagues. His leadership approach strengthens collaboration across VLK and helps others do their best work.

Amanda Reyes, AIA, NCARB

Amanda Reyes works across a variety of project types in our Central Texas market, leading teams throughout the design process as a Project Architect. Reyes has become deeply involved in supporting the communities she serves and is known for establishing strong connections with her clients. She brings a proactive and enthusiastic approach to her work that is promising to clients and uplifting for team members. Her presence in our Austin office exemplifies our core values of building strong relationships, focusing on the client, and being passionate about every project.

Chris Ortiz, RID, NCIDQ, IIDA

Chris Ortiz has nearly 20 years of experience as a project designer, with a background spanning both client and consultant roles across multiple states. His work ranges from national retail brands to K-12 and higher education facilities, shaping projects from early concept through construction. Chris is known for pushing design beyond expectations while staying grounded in what clients truly need. His perspective and creativity make him a trusted contributor to his teams and clients.

“At VLK, our continued success is driven by the strength of our people,” said Sloan Harris, CEO | Chairman of VLK. “Stephen, Chris, and Amanda have each demonstrated a strong commitment to our clients, our culture, and our craft. Their advancement to Associate reflects the important role they play in shaping the future of our firm and making a lasting impact through our work.”

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