Ball High opens new $200M campus

Ball High School has inaugurated a new $200 million campus in Galveston, providing students with access to a state-of-the-art facility aimed at enhancing academic and career training opportunities throughout the island.

Hundreds of students, parents, and community members gathered for the opening events at the campus, which were made possible by the voter-approved 2022 bond program from Galveston ISD. Construction commenced in the fall of 2023, marking the culmination of years of strategic planning by district leaders.

Superintendent Matthew Neighbors described the opening as a big event, connecting the district's history with its future.

Galveston opened Texas’ first public high school in 1884. One year later, Central High School achieved the distinction of becoming the first African American high school in the state. In 1954, amid the era of segregation, the district established distinct campuses for Ball High School and Central High School. Residents have reported that the newly constructed facility represents a major event, as it is the first instance of a single high school campus being established to accommodate all students on the island.

The 33,261-square-foot campus includes traditional classrooms, administrative offices, a cafeteria, library and a central courtyard designed for collaboration and outdoor learning.

District leaders reiterated the need for career and technical education. The district has opted to integrate the programs into the main campus rather than housing them in a separate center. Students are now provided with specialized facilities for welding, automotive technology, STEM courses, aerospace studies, and health sciences.

Specialized laboratories are enhancing practical education in nursing, forensic science, robotics, and culinary arts, in line with the district's objective of equipping students for higher education and career readiness.

Educators report that the enhanced facilities are beginning to transform the way instruction is delivered. Larrian Menifee, the choir director at Ball High and a 2016 graduate, has reported that the recent improvements have significantly impacted the program.

Menifee stated that recent advances in technology and facilities represent a significant improvement.

He added that returning to teach in his alma mater has drawn strong support from former educators and community members who take pride in seeing graduates return to lead programs.

Students are adjusting to the latest advancements in classroom technology. Every room is equipped with advanced smart board systems to improve lesson delivery and student engagement. While teachers and students are still learning to use the tools, school leaders expect the technology to strengthen classroom structure and participation.

District officials emphasized that the campus signifies more than just the construction of a new building. For many families, the opening signals a new chapter in Galveston’s long public education history—one focused on unity, innovation, and expanded opportunity.

KGTX7 News first reported this information.