The Kyle Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional-use permit Jan. 24 for the construction of the new Hays CISD Academic Support Center, which will be located next to the central office at 21003 I-35, Kyle. The growth in enrollment in HCISD is also reflected in the growth of district employees, who will benefit from this new facility as faculty are spread throughout multiple buildings and campuses.

The central office building will be renovated to allow for potential expansion as the district continues to grow, Chief Communications Officer Tim Savoy said. Other buildings at the site will be demolished as they are in bad shape.

The new facility will be home to the superintendent, communications and security, curriculum and instruction, human resources, and technology support. There will also be other improvements made throughout the central office site, including new parking lots, bus and fleet storage, sidewalks, and a water detention pond.

Construction will be split into two phases. An existing radio tower and two portable buildings will be removed from the site as part of Phase 1. Phase 1 will also prepare for and create the new detention pond, the new building, parking lots, sidewalks and other landscape needs.

The second phase will see the removal of six existing buildings, according to agenda documents, as well as any final touches on any remaining sitewide improvements.

The district is in the process of removing the portable buildings and fencing the construction site in preparation for the work to follow, Savoy said.

The project is anticipated to cost around $57 million, which is funded through the 2022 bond that focuses on accommodating the district's growth. The new Academic Support Center is expected to be completed in spring 2024.