Ann Richards School Receives LEED Silver Certification

The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders was one of five Austin ISD 2017 Bond Program schools to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating from the United States Green Building Council. LEED provides a framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings.

The 2017 Austin ISD Bond Program incorporated green building practices for the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Bowie High School, Casis Elementary, Doss Elementary, Govalle Elementary, Hill Elementary, Menchaca Elementary, Murchison Middle School, and Norman-Sims Elementary.

Class of 2022 graduate from the Ann Richards School and current University of Texas engineering student, Ali J., shared that the new building at the Ann Richards School enabled the space to help create a group project with classmates that involved converting a gas-operated go-kart to an electric-operated go-kart.

Ali credited the MakerSpace at the Ann Richards School with the ability to dream big and try something challenging as a project. Sharing that the MakerSpace allowed the flexibility to create, make mistakes, and learn during the project.

The Ann Richards School was modernized as part of the 2017 Austin ISD Bond Program and opened a new facility in January 2020. Part of the design process involved including student input for space and ability for project-based learning. The MakerSpace encourages tinkering and complements the school’s focus on STEM. Students have year-round access to STEM education to encourage leadership.