After four years of planning and construction, the new Ruby Haliburton Auxiliary Complex was dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday morning. Bryan ISD officials welcomed guests to the new maintenance and transportation facility, located at 3851 Leonard Road, and several speakers commented on the late Haliburton’s contribution to the school district and the significance of the new, 102,500-square-foot building. “Today is more than a dedication.
Today is more than a ribbon cutting. Today is the day we honor the legacy of Ms. Ruby Haliburton,” Superintendent Ginger Carrabine said.
“Ms. Ruby Haliburton, our beloved employee of 36 years, has touched the lives of thousands of students, families and community members. On behalf of the transportation, maintenance, food services, custodial, warehouse and records management teams, we all welcome you.
” The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors by the Bryan ISD JROTC and music by the Sadberry Intermediate School choir under the direction of Haliburton’s stepson, Kevin Haliburton. Ruby Haliburton’s family, including daughter Rhonda Dunn, accepts a gift at the ribbon cutting of the Ruby Haliburton Auxiliary Complex on Monday in Bryan. Carrabine told a story about numbers.
“Thirty-six. That’s because Ms. Ruby Haliburton drove our school bus for 36 years, touching the lives of not only our students and their families but the entire community," she said.
"She set the tone for a great morning and a good afternoon with a smile on her face. Parents rested easy knowing that her children were in safe, caring hands for 36 years. “Two.
That number is important because Ms. Haliburton only missed two days of work in 36 years. She was the epitome of professionalism, and she set the standard for work ethic and excellence.
“One hundred, thirty-one. This number is important to us because route 131 will forever be remembered as Ms. Haliburton’s bus route.
“Thousands. This number is too large to quantify or put into words because thousands of lives will be touched by every department housed in this complex. “2020.
That’s because a 2020 bond and all the voters choosing yes in that bond election to make the Ruby Haliburton Complex possible. We are thankful for our voters and their investment in our school community. Promises made, promises kept.
” Bryan ISD Superintendent Ginger Carrabine speaks at the ribbon cutting of the Ruby Haliburton Auxiliary Complex on Monday in Bryan. Julie Harlin, president of the board of trustees, noted that there are purple accents throughout the facility in recognition of Haliburton’s favorite color. “We have finally made it into this gorgeous building we have been waiting on for four years.
What a blessing it is to the staff who get to use this space,” she said. A gift of the American flag that was flown during the topping-off ceremony when the building was under construction was given to members of the Haliburton family. Family members were then invited to say a few words.
“I thank everyone that was involved. This building is beautiful. I think she would have loved it.
I love how you have incorporated her throughout the building. She would love this,” said Erica Dunn, her oldest granddaughter. Bryan ISD buses are lined up at the Ruby Haliburton Auxiliary Complex on Monday in Bryan.
Haliburton drove a bus for the district for 36 years. Brief thanks were given by granddaughter Whitney Taylor and great-grandson J’varion Wells. “To God be the glory, this day has finally come.
Without God nothing is possible. Anything’s possible. I just want to thank everyone who had a say in this, doing this, God is so good, all the time.
I know my mom is smiling down on this. I just hate that it took her passing for us to see this, but I just want to thank everyone,” said Rhonda Dunn, one of Haliburton’s daughters. Pastor Sam Hill gave a prayer of dedication, followed by the presentation of a gift of a framed floorplan from the PBK architectural firm to the school district.
“We are so fortunate to have been in partnership with the school district, our consultants with the city, and everybody involved as part of developing and creating this incredible facility for Ms. Ruby,” said Manny Torres, senior principal with PBK. Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox.
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