Ector County I.S.D. Set To Purchase Land For New Elementary Schools

ODESSA -- The corner of 16th and Knox in West Odessa doesn't look like much now, but this is one of the plots of land Ector County ISD will be buying to build a new elementary school.

For Angela Ruiz of the Desert Village subdivision, this is sorely needed.

"It's really needed. We need some control, there's so many kids," Ruiz said.

Overcrowding is a major problem at Cavazos Elementary, the closest school serving that area.

Last year, Ruiz couldn't even get her kids enrolled at Cavazos.

"It's so crowded, so many people, so many kids. A year ago, when we moved here, I had to drive my kids all the way to Zavala," Ruiz continued.

Ector County ISD is easing this problem by adding 3 new elementary schools.

Today they took the next step in putting together their $130 million puzzle --  voting to buy land at 2 sites: the West Odessa location and one off 87th and Dawn in north Odessa.

ECISD COO David Finley says these were the most attractive sites.

"There's not anything on them, and that's easier said than done in this area. For instance, there's no drill sites that we've seen, there's no easements, and there's good access. That's a very important piece," Finley said.

These locations are also in areas that have the worst overcrowding.

For the most part, neighbors we talked to were pleased with the decision, but some neighbors told us they are worried about new traffic problems with the added school zones.

Finley also told us the next step is to find that third location for the last elementary campus.

They hope to have that in place and send out requests for qualifications by the end of February so they can find contractors to be a part of the planning process.

They also bought a house near Odessa High as they prepare to expand that campus as well.