DALLAS – March 1, 2022 – On October 20th, 2019, a series of tornadoes severely impacted 10 Dallas ISD campuses. Cary Middle School was a total loss and half of the Cary students were reassigned to Benjamin Franklin International Exploratory Academy. The community rallied around the middle school and was asking what could be done to support the existing and new students.
Through a series of conversations with the Dallas Education Foundation, the non-profit partner of Dallas ISD, and the school’s principal, a request for a library renovation was the answer. The initiative at Franklin IEA brought together multiple partners throughout the city, including Gensler, a global design and architecture firm, providing the design services, Whiting-Turner taking the lead on the construction needs, and Altrusa International of Downtown Dallas offering to provide new furniture.
“Our mission is to inspire community investment to accelerate student success. This is a perfect example of involving our community and inspiring our students,” said Mita Havlick, Executive Director of the Dallas Education Foundation. She continues, “This library embodies the commitment to our students, including the support of support of Dallas ISD’s Library Services and Maintenance and Facilities departments, along with our generous donor partners.”
“We are incredibly excited about the new library, and so grateful to the Dallas Education Foundation and all their partners for supporting our campus,” said Principal Irma De La Guardia. “The new library is exactly what our students needed after the tornadoes and a pandemic.”
A Library Opening Celebration will be held on Thursday March 3rd, 2022 at 9:30 AM to showcase the new library. Dallas ISD Board President Ben Mackey, Mita Havlick, Principal De La Guardia, representatives from Gensler, Whiting-Turner, Altrusa International, and Dallas ISD Facilities will be in attendance to make remarks. The Benjamin Franklin International Exploratory Academy Falconettes will perform a special dance to welcome guests and students will provide tours of the revamped library.
About Dallas ISD
The Dallas Independent School District is continually preparing its more than 143,000 students for college or a career. The district offers a competitive mix of innovative programs, choice programs and instructional initiatives that support the increased academic achievement and the social and emotional development of its students. To learn more, visit www.dallasisd.org.
About the Dallas Education Foundation
The Dallas Education Foundation is inspired every day by the creativity and innovation we see in our Dallas ISD classrooms. We believe our city and our communities are strengthened by each student who graduates ready to lead a successful life. As the non-profit, philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD, we align with the district’s strategic initiatives and partner with our city’s business leaders, residents and philanthropic community that enrich the lives of our students. For more information about the Dallas Education Foundation, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@FutureofDallas), or visit www.futureofdallas.atplaycreative.com
