Crandall ISD and WRA Gather Input for New Danny R. Baker Elementary Design

As Crandall ISD begins the design process for its next elementary campus—Danny R. Baker Elementary, scheduled to open August 2028—district leaders are making sure the building is shaped by input from those who know schools best: students, teachers, administrators, and staff.

Earlier this month, Crandall ISD partnered with architecture firm WRA to host a collaborative design session focused on gathering feedback for the new elementary school. Since Baker Elementary will be based on the existing Opal Smith Elementary blueprint, the session brought together a cross-section of stakeholders to discuss what works well at Opal Smith—and what could be improved.

“We brought together a group of stakeholders to think about, talk about, imagine, and design what a new elementary school would look like,” said Superintendent Dr. A.J. Murry. “Hearing student voices is huge—because ultimately, the goal is to create a space that truly fits their needs.”

The session included classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, security officers, school nurses, cabinet members, maintenance and transportation staff, and students in grades 3–6. Together, they broke into smaller groups to focus on specific areas such as library spaces, collaboration zones, and traffic flow.

“What I liked most about today is the collaboration,” Dr. Murry added. “There’s an old saying that the smartest person in the room is the room itself. The smartest design is one that includes everyone’s voice—because together, we’re better.”

Students who participated were proud to be included in the process.

“It made me feel special that I was selected,” one student said.
“I could’ve gone for hours,” added another. “It felt good to have a voice in designing a new school.”

Staff members appreciated the opportunity to contribute, too.

“Today’s opportunity to speak in front of various panel members about the upcoming elementary school was fabulous,” said Michele Sewell, a teacher at Opal Smith. “I liked being able to have my voice heard.”

“Instead of making decisions without input, we heard from people at all levels about what works and what doesn’t,” said Wade McElroy, assistant principal at Opal Smith. “It’s a great way to help students in the new building be as successful as possible.”

Dr. Charlene Goss, Chief Academic Officer for Crandall ISD, said the process wasn’t just about functionality, but about forward-thinking design.

“We should maximize every space in a building not just for functionality, but for innovation,” Goss said. “That’s how we meet the needs of our teachers, students, and parents—because schools today are truly multipurpose spaces.”

Dr. Murry said the process reflects one of Crandall ISD’s guiding values.

“Collaboration is a huge core belief of Crandall ISD. It’s also a belief of WRA. So when the two of us can come together and partner in this work, it’s going to make us all better.”