District officials presented the two-year capital plan to the board of trustees Jan. 16.
Looking back
With FISD’s student growth projected to slow down in the coming years, the district was looking to address its aging infrastructure through three bond propositions totaling $1.08 billion. Voters also saw a tax rate election on the Nov. 5 ballot, which failed along with the three propositions.
The outlook
The district has $126.79 million that can be used toward capital projects for the next two years, said Kimberly Smith, FISD’s chief finance and strategy officer.
FISD also has $52 million set aside from the 2018 bond program. That amount includes $32 million of authorized but unissued bond funds which was earmarked for Elementary No. 45, but Smith explained the district does not foresee needing an additional elementary school. Another $20 million of the 2018 program was meant to renovate Staley Middle School.
The money set aside for the elementary school would not cover construction of a new Staley Middle, which was included in the 2024 bond program, as it is expected to cost around $85 million, Chief Operations Officer Scott Warstler said. The district may consider rebuilding the school in a future bond program.
Proposals for the district’s two-year capital projects plan include:
- $46.1 million for building maintenance and replacements
- $26 million to replace technology for the district’s 1:1 student ratio
- $22 million for fine arts and athletics program needs
- $15 million for paving and landscaping repairs
- $10 million for security upgrades
- $8 million for new buses, a bus wash and fuel pumps
District officials expect a future bond program to be sent to voters in May or November of 2026, Warstler said.
