Plano ISD Academy High School opened in August 2013 thanks to Plano ISD's 2008 bond program.[/caption]

The Plano ISD Board of Trustees is expected to hear final recommendations for the district’s proposed $520 million bond package from the district’s Facilities and Technology Task Force during a regular meeting on Jan. 12.

The district held a public hearing on Dec. 17, during which it presented the proposed package and asked for public feedback, comments and opinions. The board will vote Feb. 2 whether or not to hold a bond election this May.

PISD created the task force last year to come up with recommendations for the bond package. The package includes funding for new facilities, school repairs and renovations, as well as for equipment replacement and repairs, additions to existing infrastructure and programs, and technology enhancements to improve education, according to the district.

The district’s last bond election was held in 2008. The $490 million referendum was used for infrastructural improvements, renovations and technological enhancements, PISD Superintendent Brian Binggeli said in an interview with Community Impact Newspaper in September.

“We have been committed to infrastructure renewal in Plano schools the right way,” he said. “During challenging budget times there are some districts that defer infrastructure improvement for later time. In the short term, you can get away with that. In the long term, it’s a horribly inefficient way to work.”

The 2016 bond referendum will include a breakdown of how funds would be allocated toward new facilities and acquisitions, major renovations, capital improvements, safety and security, transportation, food and nutritional services, fine arts, athletics, capacity additions, replacement of portables, technology and academic initiatives, as well as other capital projects such as sustainability enhancements and re-roofing work.