AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired — built in 1916 — is getting a $68 million renovation that will provide a functional and safe state-of-the-art learning environment, officials said.
Superintendent William Daugherty says many of the original buildings on the campus leak and are prone to floods or have mold and simply cannot be maintained any longer.
State bond money is paying for the renovation, which includes the demolition of 14 buildings and construction of 19 new ones, scheduled to be finished by 2011.
Daugherty said the work provides a much-needed face-lift for the school, which was established by the state Legislature in 1856 as the Blind Institute.
The Austin American-Statesman reports the current school educates students with multiple disabilities but focuses primarily on those who are blind or visually impaired.
Students, who come from around the state, board during the week and go home on weekends.