Fort Bend ISD (June 26, 2025) - The final steel beam was put in place as Fort Bend ISD reached a major milestone in the construction of its 16th middle school, named in honor of the district’s first Black female principal, Amy Coleman.
The topping-out ceremony, a traditional celebration marking the completion of a building’s structural framework, brought together Coleman’s family and friends, FBISD Board Vice President Angie Hanan, Secretary Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam, Trustee Afshi Charania, district leaders, and members of the construction crew to sign the final beam.
Satterfield and Pontikes Construction Company’s Chief Operating Officer Charlie Fote welcomed the guests and talked about the significance of the ceremony, and FBISD Deputy Superintendent Kathleen Brown acknowledged stakeholders who made the day possible.
“This day marks an important milestone in the construction of our 16th middle school,” Brown said. “Thank you to the community for approving Bond 2023, and to the design and construction team.”
Dr. Krista Coleman, daughter of the school’s namesake, expressed gratitude to the district her mother “loved so deeply and the community she served so faithfully.”
“With the placement of the final beam, we aren’t just marking the completion of a building, we are laying the foundation for possibility, purpose, and the brilliance waiting to rise,” she said. “A place where students are inspired to lead with integrity, to serve with compassion, and to let their light shine boldly and unapologetically like she did.”
Amy Coleman Middle School is scheduled to open in August 2026
