The Children’s Posada featuring Mary & Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was reenacted along historic Kleberg Avenue Saturday afternoon as part of the community’s annual La Posada de Kingsville Celebration of Lights. (Photo by Erika Hernandez) An agreement has been reached between the Kingsville Independent School District and the King High Historical Foundation that could lead to the eventual restoration of the original Henrietta M. King High School and its future use in the community.

Kingsville Mayor Sam Fuguate said the next step would be to seek funds for the restoration of the old high school that could become a city hall.

He estimated the cost at $8 million for the restoration project. The agreement was finalized Dec. 3 at a meeting in San Antonio.

Present at the meeting were Larry Garza, KISD Board of Trustee’s president:, Emilio Castro, KISD superintendent; Fugate; Leo Villarreal, KISD board attorney; Helen Groves, a King Ranch family member; and Jane Macon, former Kingsville resident and an attorney with the King High Historical Foundation.

“Helen Groves, whose heart and interest are in the welfare of this community, has generously committed to the restoration of the original H.M. King High School,” Castro noted.

“The vision and challenges of a project of this magnitude will only be completed by our entire community working together,” the superintendent said.

“The King High Historical Foundation and community leaders will continue to raise the necessary funds for the full restoration of the original Henrietta M. King High School, which is listed in the National Registry of Historical places,” Castro said.

The school board president said he wants to make sure the historic facility will become a legacy to the community that will be utilized for a variety of activities.

“I am pleased and ecstatic over getting Mrs. Groves to help us overcome major huddles and get this project moving,” Garza said.

“It has been a slow process but acceptable to all concerned,” he said.

Castro said a committee will be named to assist in implementing the restoration project. The idea of restoring the old high school was initiated over 20 years ago.

The historic building celebrated its 100th anniversary last July, has a future or not.

The mayor pleaded with the school board during a recent meeting that something needs to be done now.

Reports and studies for potential reuse of the old high school were issued in 1980, 1983, and 1989.

Most recently, KISD paid $23,600 for a feasibility study conducted in 2005.

The repair of the roof structure alone has been estimated at $2 million. The old King High School was recorded as a Texas Historical Landmark in 1983.