Voters approved three out of seven bond propositions in November, including a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, that could generate an additional $37.5 million in annual funding for the district. The other two propositions allocate funds for sweeping technology updates; safety and security updates and maintenance; and repair and renovation projects across multiple LISD campuses and facilities, according to bond details.
District officials presented the initial projects to the board at a Dec. 4 work session that detailed technology replacement plans, construction timelines and other procedures involved in the process.
The details
On the technological side, the priority is updating the district software system and replacing aging staff laptops and student iPads, according to district documents. These projects are scheduled to be completed this spring. By summer, the district will begin to replace classroom infrastructure, such as projectors, Apple TVs and other classroom technology.
The first 2023 bond construction projects will be replacing six playgrounds with shade structures and 16 shade-only locations, and are scheduled to begin in summer, Executive Director of Construction Randy Fite said. Shade structures can be installed during the school year if necessary.
Other projects outlined in the bond include:
- Traffic signal at Hebron High School
- Continuation of districtwide emergency radio system
- Interior bleacher replacement at Arbor Creek Middle School
- Casework, flooring and roofing replacements at multiple campuses
- Electrical, elevator and fire alarm upgrades at multiple campuses
The district also plans to replace furniture for nine elementary schools and eight middle schools, Fite said.
Additionally, the first bond project allocates funds for purchasing equipment and performing renovations for fine arts departments districtwide, according to the presentation.
Project details include:
- Purchasing musical instruments at all school levels
- Purchasing 10 box trucks
- Theater and band lot renovations at Lewisville High School
Twelve district locations are at the end of their 20-year life cycle and will be prioritized for maintenance, repairs and renovations scheduled to begin in 2025, Fite said. The facilities will receive a host of interior and exterior repairs. Marcus, The Colony, Flower Mound, Hebron and Lewisville high schools, the Lewisville Learning Center, the transportation center as well as several elementary and middle schools are some of the locations poised for renovations.
Band lot renovations at Flower Mound, Hebron and The Colony high schools are included in their respective 20-year life cycle maintenance. There will also be four playground replacements at various campuses in addition to the six slated to begin this summer.
The district strives to group and divide projects by school to minimize disruptions, Chief Financial Officer Paige Meloni said.
Next steps
LISD administration will update the board of trustees on the technology and furniture projects Jan. 9.
