Cy-Fair ISD negotiating for 3 new school sites

Cy-Fair ISD's continuous student growth has district officials laying the groundwork for future growth by entering into negotiations to purchase three proposed school sites.

"Two of the sites will be designated for elementary schools, and one site will be acquired for possible expansion of existing structures or for a stand alone new facility to be determined," said Roy Sprague, associate superintendent for facilities, construction and support services.

The purchases will be made utilizing both 2004 and 2007 bond funds, according to the district.

"After the [Population Survey Analysts] report about how much our district is growing— and how it's going to continue to grow—I think it's very prudent to get a hold of some land that we can build schools on," trustee Christine Hartley said during the Sept. 10 board meeting.

This summer, the board received the findings of a study completed by demographic firm Population and Survey Analysts that pointed out the district has added 13,000 new students in the past five years. Additionally, it is projected that 21,000 new housing units will be built in the western portion of the district in the next nine years.

"The district is moving forward with the acquisition of these sites based upon the findings of this demographic report to be in position to address the continued growth of the district," Sprague said.

Since the district is still in negotiations, specific site locations could not yet be disclosed. However, one of the sites will be utilized for Elementary School No. 54, which is scheduled to open for the 2015-16 school year, Sprague said.