With the objectives for success set for the upcoming school year, the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District is already setting its sights on what the 2014 – 2015 school year will bring.
In Fall 2014, HCISD will open its School of Health Professions, located next to Memorial Middle School on Rio Hondo Road. The new 500-600 student high school will feature a curriculum geared towards placing students on career paths for medical professions including doctors, nurses and medical technicians. The school will serve students in proposed grades 8 – 12. During its initial year, the campus will host eighth and ninth grade students and introduce a new grade level each proceeding year.
“Our district’s leadership, teachers and staff members are dedicated to transforming our schools to meet the demands of our society while meeting the individual needs of our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Steve Flores. “The School of Health Professions will offer our community a choice when it comes to their education, and our students the opportunity to receive an early start in the growing career of medicine. This program benefits our taxpayers, who will gain community value with no additional tax increase, our local economy, which will gain a more skilled workforce, and our students, who will increase their chances to obtain a higher quality of life.”
To narrow their medical focus, students will have the opportunity to choose from one of six areas of medicine to study. These areas include Sports Medicine, Dental Science, Medical Science Research, Patient Care, Pharmacology and Surgical Technology.
The completion of the school took its first step into reality this summer as Tina Garza was named campus principal during a special Board Meeting on June 18.
”I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to serve as principal of the School of Health Professions. I look forward to taking this innovative campus to a level that meets the needs of the students of HCISD in the field of medicine.”
HCISD will fund the $13.9 million project through the Qualified School Construction Bonds program. This program allows school districts to obtain interest-free or very low interest financing. The School district would pay these bonds through its maintenance and operations budget.
The campus is expected to break ground in August 2013.
