The district expects to accommodate 3,150 more students by 2028 as student enrollment is projected to grow 3.5% each year.
“BISD is a fast-growth school district and continues to experience steady growth as more families and new businesses choose to relocate here,” said Lee Raspberry, the director of construction and planning at BISD, in an email. “Constructing additional elementary schools and converting the intermediate schools into middle schools will help accommodate that growth.”
Along with new construction, the bonds fund repairs for existing schools as well as the construction of athletic and fine arts facilities.
How we got here
BISD’s need for the bond projects was determined through a facilities assessment. The Citizens Advisory Task Force met regularly from October 2019 to January 2020 to further determine the district’s needs.
The 2021 bond enabled the district to build Camino Real and Colony Oaks elementary schools, and make improvements to Mina Elementary School.
A $321.5 million bond proposal was approved in the May 2023 election.
The breakdown
The district’s projects are funded by $499.3 million in bonds:
May 2021 bond: $177.8 million
- Colony Oaks and Camino Real Elementary Schools: $64.4 million
- Growth and instructional capacity projects: $76.1 million
- General renovations and improvements: $28 million
- Safety and security upgrades: $9.4 million
- New school construction and expansions: $272.8
- School renovations: $31 million
- Police operations facility: $17.7 million
The district’s next major project will involve the conversion of two intermediate schools into middle schools. Raspberry said a third comprehensive high school will likely be the district's next new construction, although it is years away.
“For now, we will continue managing our current bond projects with fidelity and meeting the commitments we made to our community,” Raspberry said.
Also of note
Construction of an operations facility off Lovers Lane will begin in April. The facility will house police administration, custodial, maintenance and groundskeeping staff as well as the district's construction and planning department. Currently in design, the facility is expected to be complete in June 2025.
“Having all of these school support services together under one roof will be more efficient, safe and effective,” Raspberry said. “Police officers will still be housed at the campus level, however.”
New and upgraded security vestibules, additional security fencing and cameras will be installed to better protect students and staff. Badge access and impact-resistant film on exterior glass will also be added to Bastrop schools to increase security.
