Wylie ISD Breaks Ground on O.W. Hampton Intermediate, Richard Parker Junior High

The Wylie ISD community gathered Oct. 21 to celebrate a milestone moment, the groundbreaking of O.W. Hampton Intermediate and Richard Parker Junior High. The ceremony took place at the shared construction site of the district’s two newest campuses, set to open in August 2026.

Family members of the schools’ namesakes, the Wylie ISD Board of Trustees, district leadership, representatives from Pogue Construction and PBK Architects, Wylie Mayor Matthew Porter, City of Wylie leaders, the Wylie Police Department, Wylie Fire and Rescue, and community members were all in attendance to honor the occasion.

Engraved ceremonial shovels flanked the podium as speakers reflected on the significance of the project, symbolizing Wylie ISD’s continued growth and commitment to future generations. Guests enjoyed custom cookies featuring each school’s name as a keepsake of the day.

Superintendent Dr. Kim Spicer opened the ceremony by highlighting the impact these campuses will have on students and the district as a whole.

“These two schools represent our community’s continued investment in students and in the future of Wylie ISD. They’re a symbol of growth, opportunity, and our shared commitment to creating the best possible learning experiences for our students,” Dr. Spicer said. “Both O.W. Hampton and Richard Parker represent everything that makes Wylie special – service, leadership, and heart. It’s an honor to celebrate these two remarkable namesakes and the impact they’ve had on our community.”

School Board President Dr. Jacob Day noted the meaningful progress of the construction site itself, now well underway, despite weather-related delays that postponed the originally scheduled groundbreaking this past summer.

“The fact that these buildings are already standing means we’re on schedule to open both campuses in August 2026,” Dr. Day said. “Today’s event is more ceremonial than literal. It’s an important moment for our community to come together and honor what these schools represent.”

Dr. Day also recognized several partners whose collaboration and support made the project possible, including district leadership, Facilities and Maintenance, PBK Architects, Pogue Construction, city partners, and current and former trustees. He also thanked the Wylie community for supporting the 2023 bond initiative.

Family members of both namesakes also spoke, acknowledging the honor and legacy behind each school’s name.

Richard Hampton, son of the late O.W. Hampton, who served Wylie as a volunteer firefighter, city council member, school board trustee, mayor, and community leader, expressed his family's gratitude.

“We are truly humbled by this honor,” Hampton said. “Personally, for me, you’ve made a lifelong Pirates fan into a Raiders fan.”

Both schools are in the Wylie East feeder pattern and will be Raiders.

Mitch Herzog, son-in-law of Richard Parker, and former Wylie ISD trustee, joined Parker at the podium to speak on his behalf.

“Having a school named after you is an honor, and with it comes great responsibility,” Herzog said. “Richard and the family look forward to being involved in the school and supporting the teachers and students for years to come.”

To close the event, the Wylie ISD Board of Trustees and Dr. Spicer performed the ceremonial groundbreaking, followed by family members and other honored guests. Attendees also had the opportunity to sign a construction beam, creating a lasting mark that will become part of the new campus structure.