Frisco ISD board trustees approved delaying the opening of four new schools during Monday’s regular school board meeting.

Postponing the opening of the new schools was considered by the board after Frisco voters rejected the school district’s proposed tax increase in August. The tax increase would have generated about $30.6 million for the district—about the same amount of funds the district will lose from the state next year.

The board’s vote will delay the opening of the new schools until fall 2018, saving the district an estimated $15.6 million in maintenance and operation costs for the 2017-18 school year.

Liscano and Talley elementary schools, Lawler Middle School and Memorial High School are under construction and had been expected to open fall 2017 before tonight's decision.

The schools will continue construction and remain vacant for a year with minimal cost to the district for security and utilities.

Even though the openings of the schools have been delayed, the district still needs to determine rezoning modifications for the following school year for those schools reaching capacity.

Rezoning will focus on school capacity and utilization of space, according to district administration staff.

FISD will present preliminary rezoning proposals Nov. 14. A public hearing will be held in December and trustees are expected to make a final decision on the 2017-18 school year attendance zones in January.
Committees comprised of district staff and community members are continuing to meet to recommend priorities and cost-saving solutions for the 2017-18 school year budget. Community members are encouraged to submit a budget feedback form with suggestions regarding the budget development. The deadline to submit a form is Nov. 18.