Lamar CISD Buys Property for New School at The George

Lamar Consolidated Independent School District has purchased 15 acres in The George for a new elementary school.

The purchase closed Aug. 15. This is one of two parcels within The George master plan that have been designated for a school.

“A community where parents can walk their children to school or kids can bike to school is an essential part of the vision we have for The George,” said Derek Goff, Vice President and General Manager of The George. “We aspire to create a true hometown for our residents, and quality schools are vital to achieving that.”

The 15-acre site is part of The George’s second phase of development, located in Richmond near FM 2977 and Ricefield Road. The school district will determine timing of school construction. The purchase was made possible through funds raised in a $1.7 billion bond approved in November 2022, which included funding for four new elementary schools across the district. 

Johnson Development purchased the 1,500 acres for The George in 2024 along with investment partner the General Land Office (GLO). The GLO is a state agency with a mission to manage Texas state lands; maximize revenue from those lands through sales, leases and mineral rights; preserve historical assets; and use those funds to support Texas public education. As part of its broader efforts to support educational infrastructure through land stewardship, the GLO is working in alignment with Johnson Development in The George. This collaboration ensures that key community amenities, including a dedicated site for a new Lamar Consolidated ISD elementary school, are integrated into the long-term planning of the development.

“The General Land Office is pleased to play a significant role in the Johnson Development venture, which enables families to thrive and live life to the fullest in numerous dynamic communities,” said Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. “The GLO’s mission is to maximize the revenue from our state lands to help fund Texas public education. The purchase of this acreage within The George by Lamar Consolidated Independent School District for a new elementary school is exciting, as it will ensure Texas children will have a dedicated place close to home to learn. The George represents a shared vision for sustainable growth, where public benefit and private development work hand in hand to create vibrant, family-focused neighborhoods.”

Currently, The George is zoned to Thomas Elementary and three adjacent schools — Steenbergen Middle School, Wright Junior High and Randle High School. 

The George is expected to begin home sales in Spring 2026. At completion, the community is slated for about 4,000 homes.