Era ISD today announced the planned retirement of the district’s historic “Old Gym” facility at the conclusion of the current school year. For generations of students, families, and community members, the Old Gym has been more than just a building. It has been a place of competition, connection, and lasting memories.
The school is constantly reviewing campus needs and updates. Recently, the district commissioned a comprehensive structural evaluation conducted by a licensed structural engineer and architect to assess the condition of the facility and determine whether it could be safely restored. While the gym’s distinctive wooden architecture is a cherished part of its history, the assessment concluded that the structure has reached the end of its usable life due to deterioration within its structural components.
While the facility does not present an immediate risk of sudden collapse, the evaluation determined that continued use is not advisable due to ongoing structural degradation and the inability to ensure long-term safety. Based on this expert guidance, district leadership has made the decision to retire the facility from use following the current school year.
Like many small, rural school districts, Era ISD must carefully balance facility needs with available resources. While the district continuously evaluates opportunities to improve and maintain its campuses, significant renovations or new construction require long-term planning and, in many cases, community-supported funding solutions.
We recognize that the Old Gym has served a wide range of student and community needs, and its retirement will require adjustments. The district is actively working to ensure continuity and minimize disruption in the following key areas:
Junior High School Athletics & PE: Alternative arrangements are being developed to accommodate locker room needs for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students.
One Act Play and extracurricular activities: The district is identifying new rehearsal spaces and storage to ensure these programs continue without interruption.
Elementary student needs during inclement weather: The school will utilize other indoor spaces to safely accommodate students on bad weather days.
Community and youth sports: We are notifying local partners to identify alternative locations for youth athletic programs.
No student programs will be eliminated as a result of this transition.
We are actively evaluating both short-term alternatives and long-term facility solutions to meet the needs currently served by the Old Gym, including the potential removal of the existing structure and future redevelopment. The school board will meet to review these options, which will be open to the public, with the goal of having solutions in place by the start of the school year or in time to support key activities this fall, ensuring continuity for students and programs.
While this decision was not made lightly, it reflects the district’s responsibility to plan proactively and prioritize the safety of students, staff, and the community. Era ISD remains committed to achieving academic excellence, maintaining high financial transparency, and ensuring the safety and wellness of its students.
The district will continue to share updates as planning progresses and will explore opportunities to honor the history and legacy of the Old Gym in the months ahead.
For additional information, please contact the Era ISD administration office.