Excitement and gusts of wind filled the air as community members, district leaders, and construction partners gathered to celebrate a historic moment for Hempstead ISD at the groundbreaking ceremony for the district’s new Early Childhood Center. The event marked the first new campus construction in nearly 30 years.
Two years ago, the district began a comprehensive facilities assessment of every campus in Hempstead ISD. Through that work, it was determined that the current Hempstead Early Childhood building had lost its educational value, no longer meeting the needs of our students and staff. In May 2024, Hempstead voters said yes to building a new campus for Hempstead Early Childhood Center.
Golden shovels lined the ceremonial dirt mound, each representing a shared investment in the future of Hempstead’s youngest learners. The program began with remarks from Hempstead ISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil, who reflected on the significance of the day.
“Great facilities don’t just house learning; they empower it,” he said. “We stand here today turning more than soil; we’re turning the page on a new era for Hempstead ISD. Together, we are building a foundation for generations of bobcats to come.”
Board President Connie Wawarofsky followed, expressing gratitude to the voters, community partners, and construction partners who have helped make the dream of a new campus possible.
“Our Board believes that investing in early childhood education is an investment in the future of Hempstead ISD,” President Wawarofsky said. “Moments like this remind us why we serve. To create opportunities for our children and to invest in a brighter future for our community.”
Hempstead Early Childhood Center Principal Keri Houston shared her excitement about the impact the new facility will have on students and teachers.
“This campus will be a place where tiny hands and big dreams come together, where our youngest Bobcats take their very first steps in learning,” Houston explained. “When you walk through our halls, you’ll hear laughter, see creativity in motion, and feel the warmth of a team that loves what they do. I cannot wait to welcome our first class of young learners into this building.”
A highlight of the ceremony came from Chrishell Tompkins, a proud parent of a current student at the Early Childhood Center.
“As a parent, there is no greater feeling than knowing your child is safe, loved, and growing every single day,” Tompkins said. “This program has given my child a strong foundation, not only for kindergarten but for life.”
Representatives from the project’s construction and architectural teams, who are managing the development of the new facility, were also in attendance to celebrate this milestone and join in the ceremonial turning of dirt.
As shovels lifted the first mounds of earth, applause rang out across the site. Smiles, cheers, and camera shutters captured the historic moment, a symbol of a district moving forward and going to Higher Heights.