Schoolyard Improvement Projects

Anne Muller Garden Improvement Project
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Schoolyard Improvement Projects

Thank you for your interest in improving your schoolyard! Austin ISD recognizes the many benefits that come with connecting our students to nature.

Did you know?

Elementary aged girl checking on tomato plant.

Garden based learning improves grades, knowledge, and attitudes/behavior in Elementary, Middle, & High School levels.

Lanier High School students working in greenhouse.

92% of students in classrooms that integrated the environment had higher standardized test scores, GPAs, and enthusiasm for learning.

 
Students inquisitively observing plant growth.

High School students with views of trees and bushes from their cafeteria windows had higher standard test scores, higher grad rates, and higher percentage of students planning to attend a 4-year college.

Four elementary students excited to show their project outside with the teacher.

Gardening at schools helps students feel proud, responsible, & confident.

 
Cunningham Elementary student gardening with teacher.

Green schoolyards promote physical activity by offering a variety of active play options that engage children of varying fitness levels, ages, and genders.

Elementary aged female student passionately smelling yellow flower.

Natural areas promote child-directed free play that is imaginative, constructive, sensory rich, and cooperative. source

 

Overview

Before implementing your new project, please follow the steps below to submit your Campus New Project Request Form. The purpose of this form is to ensure your proposed project is reviewed by the appropriate AISD Operations and Construction Management staff. Even if campus funds are available and/or you have a vendor donating their services, please complete this form. This is not intended for maintenance requests. The form should be submitted by the School Principal or someone with an AISD email address they designate to submit on their behalf. Please do not begin your project until you have received approval.

Excerpt from Board Policy CDC - Other Revenues: Gifts and Solicitations:

Any donation, regardless of the value, that is predicated on a physical change to District facilities (e.g., electrical wiring, equipment installation, or any demolition or construction that requires a building permit) or grounds (e.g., temporary structures, outdoor buildings, gardens, athletic venues, or any changes that require site or building permit) must be reviewed and approved by the Office and Construction Management prior to acceptance, in addition to any other required approvals under this policy.

Submittal Instructions

Step 1
Please review the FAQs
Step 2
Submit the Schoolyard Improvement Project Review Form (Note: This has replaced the previous Schoolyard Improvement Form).
What type of projects require submission of the New Project Request Form?
The Campus New Project Request Form is used for all kinds of NEW projects across AISD. It is not intended for maintenance requests. When filling out the form for your schoolyard project, be sure to select the following:
  • Project location: Exterior
  • Exterior Project Request: Select the feature you would like to install

Questions? Email projectrequest@austinisd.org.

What if I have a maintenance request?
Please submit maintenance requests through the work order system.
What if our school is working with a donor, service provider, vendor, or community volunteers for our Schoolyard Improvement Project?
This is great! All partners are required to follow the AISD Partnership Process. You will need to ensure the AISD Partnership Process is complete before site work begins. Also, please reference AISD Board Policy CDC Other Revenues: Gifts and Solicitations “Construction and Facility Services” section, and use the Campus New Project Request Form to start the project review by appropriate staff.
Where can I find City of Austin regulations relevant to my schoolyard project?
Visit the City of Austin's online search engine and enter any keywords relevant to your project (bees, trees, domestic animals, cisterns, etc.). The applicant is responsible for ensuring the project meets all city regulations, codes, and ordinances.
Where can I find info about 2022 Bond work to help me plan my project?
You can find the timing and scope of bond-related projects at your school to ensure future construction work will not impact your project.
  • A School Park, also known as a Joint-Use Site is an outdoor space at a school that is co-owned by  the City of Austin and AISD. They are co-owned and co-managed between both entities. Because of the co-ownership, requests for improvements must be approved by both AISD and the City of Austin.
  • Please check whether your school is an AISD and City of Austin Parks & Recreation Joint-Use Site. If so, you will also need to submit a Community Activated Park Project (CAPP) and an AISD New Project Request Form 
  • You may view the signed Agreement Between the City of Austin and the Austin Independent School District Regarding Development and Shared Use of Jointly Owned Facilities, Ground Improvements, and Open Spaces.