Excitement and anticipation were in the air as more than 800 students, staff, parents and community leaders filled the Smith Elementary cafeteria to celebrate one of Birdville ISD’s oldest schools officially opening the doors to its new home.

The BISD Board of Trustees hosted a special ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly rebuilt David E. Smith Elementary on Thursday, August 7 – a marquee moment for the school that originally debuted in 1954.

"Today is about more than a ribbon cutting – it is about legacy," said Dr. Gayle Stinson, Birdville ISD Superintendent of Schools. "With the ribbon cutting of this beautiful facility, we honor the legacy of David E. Smith, an individual who continues to impact Birdville ISD long after his retirement." 

In addition to Dr. Stinson, the ceremonial ribbon cutting also included comments from Board President Ralph Kunkel, Haltom City Mayor Dr. An Truong, and the school’s namesake, David E. Smith. Mr. Smith served as the principal of Smith Elementary for nearly three decades when it was then-Browning Heights Elementary. The school was officially renamed for him in 1988 following his retirement from BISD.

"This is a great day for me," Mr. Smith said. "What other 99-year-old World War II veteran have you ever known that has gotten to participate in the opening of a new building that will bear his name? This is an important day for the children in the Haltom City area of Birdville ISD. We are opening a brand new, state-of-the-art school that is functional, safe and will provide a place for our children to receive the best education possible."

Smith Elementary Principal Amanda Holman served as the emcee of the program, which included a special musical performance from the choir.  

The new campus, which is on the same site as the original school, is located at 5020 Stephanie Drive, Haltom City, TX 76117. Smith Elementary’s new building was funded by the BISD Bond Referendum that was approved by district votes in November 2022.

After the ribbon cutting festivities concluded, families then went to find their classrooms during Meet the Teacher Night, giving them an opportunity to see the entire building for the first time. As they made their way down the hallways, the enthusiasm from both students and parents for the new learning environment was on full display, with many expressing how excited they were for the first day of school on Wednesday, August 13.

"This is a really nice school, and I really like the design," said fourth-grader Ariana Martinez. "My teacher is really nice and fun. I love Smith Elementary."

Smith Elementary’s new campus was designed by HKS Architects & Designers and constructed by Lee Lewis Construction. Thank you to the BISD voters and community for continuing the Smith Elementary legacy and providing an incredible learning space for our Birdville ISD families. #ThisisMYBirdvilleISD