Shown is an artist’s rendering of the Grady Independent School District campus as it will appear after renovations authorized by voters in the Nov. 6 election. The centerpiece of the renovations will be construction of a new 500-seat gymnasium, shown at top left. (Courtesy photo)

A little more than a week after district residents approved a $10 million bond for construction and renovation projects, the school board has already taken the first steps toward turning plans into action.

GISD Superintendent Johnny Tubb said trustees have already let out the first round of bids related to the project.

“We didn’t want to jump the gun, but we did want to move as quickly as possible,” Tubb said. “This is a real exciting time for everyone at Grady ISD.”

The bond, approved last Tuesday by district voters, will finance a variety of projects, including:

• $3.4 million for a new 500-seat, air-conditioned gymnasium to replace the current 34-year-old structure.

• $1 million for four new classrooms and corridor.

• $740,000 for renovation, expansion and equipment purchases for additions to kitchen and dining areas.

• $720,000 for construction of a commons area in the elementary classrooms to improve security.

• $830,000 for new tennis courts and upgrades to the south end bleachers at Tunnell Field.

• $500,000 for a new lobby, entryway and administrative offices.

The multiple projects, Tubb said, will help better position the school district to handle future needs.

“Currently, we have a 34-year-old gym, which we still call ‘the new gym’ ... and we are using portable classrooms that are 20 years old,” Tubb said. “What we really want to do is position Grady School for the next 30 years with these updates.”

Security also is a driving force behind the projects, he noted.

“When the school was built (in the 1950s), security was not the issue it is today, unfortunately,” Tubb said. “Our elementary wing has all open-door classrooms, which means the students exit to outside the building. These projects will make Grady a much more secure campus.”