North Del Valle High School Opening Adjusted to 2028 Due to Developer Infrastructure Delays

Del Valle ISD is providing an important update regarding the opening of North Del Valle High School. After a detailed review of the surrounding roadway infrastructure timelines, the opening must be delayed from Fall 2027 to Fall 2028. This change is due to factors outside of the district’s control.

Under the district’s agreement with the developer of Whisper Valley, the developer is responsible for completing critical infrastructure needed to provide safe access to the campus, including the surrounding roadways. This obligation has not been met. While the district was hopeful Whisper Valley would fulfill its responsibilities, they have not yet secured the necessary funding, and a critical timeline has now been reached that makes it unlikely the roadway work can be completed in time for a 2027 opening.

The developer is now in default of its obligations under the Post-Closing Construction Agreement with Del Valle ISD. The estimated cost to complete the required roadway infrastructure exceeds $12.3 million. The district has already invested approximately $7 million to complete utility work that was also the responsibility of Whisper Valley, in order to secure and protect the new campus site.

Using additional taxpayer dollars for the roadway work would not be a responsible use of district funds. School districts are not designed or funded to construct or operate public roadways, and taking on this obligation would place an inappropriate financial burden on local taxpayers while diverting resources away from student needs.

Because this infrastructure is required for safe access for buses, families, and emergency services, the campus cannot open until the roadways are completed. 

Students who were expected to begin 9th grade at North Del Valle High School in Fall 2027 will start at Del Valle High School, and transition to North Del Valle High School when they are in 10th grade.

Elementary and middle school rezoning that is currently being finalized will still take effect in Fall 2027, and updated high school attendance zones will be implemented when North Del Valle High School opens in Fall 2028.

The district remains committed to opening a safe, fully accessible campus and will continue to provide updates as this work progresses.

FAQ

Why is North Del Valle High School being delayed?
The delay is due to the required road construction around the campus not being completed by the Whisper Valley development. These roads are needed for safe access to the school.

Who is responsible for building the roads?
Under the district’s purchase agreement, Club Deal 120 Whisper Valley Limited Partnership is responsible for constructing the surrounding roadways needed to access the campus.

Has the district done its part?
Yes. The district has already invested approximately $7 million in utility work to secure the campus site and support the building itself. This $7 million was also the responsibility of the developer and not completed on time.

Can the district build the roads instead to keep the 2027 opening?
Using taxpayer dollars for public road construction is not an appropriate use of school district funds and would divert funding away from benefiting students. School districts are not responsible for building public roadways.

Why are the roads so important?
The roads are required for safe access for buses, families, staff, and emergency services. Without them completed, the campus cannot safely open.

What is the new opening date?
North Del Valle High School is now scheduled to open in Fall 2028.

What happens to students who were supposed to attend in 2027?
Students who were planning to start 9th grade in Fall 2027 will begin at Del Valle High School and transition to North Del Valle High School when it opens for 10th grade.

Will any other school boundary changes still happen?
Yes. Elementary and middle school rezoning changes that are being finalized now will still take effect in Fall 2027. High school attendance zones will take effect when North Del Valle High School opens in Fall 2028.

Is the school building still on schedule?
Yes. The school facility itself remains on schedule for completion. Without roadways, the building will not be fully accessible to open on time.

What is the district doing next?
The district will continue monitoring progress, working with partners, and sharing updates with families as more information becomes available.