District officials and board members discussed the projects, which are part of the 2023 bond package, at a board workshop May 6. Voters partially approved the $1.23 billion bond in November, which included maintenance, repair and renovation projects across multiple LISD campuses and facilities, according to bond details.
The first set of projects were outlined and approved by the board in December.
The details
Work for most of the projects discussed at the workshop is slated to begin this summer, Executive Director of Construction Randy Fite said. LISD still needs to approve construction managers for projects scheduled for summer 2025, and officials will bring official recommendations to the May 13 meeting.
This summer’s work includes replacing six playgrounds with enhanced accessibility-style playgrounds, Fite said. Schools set to receive replacements include:
- Forest Vista Elementary School
- Lakeland Elementary School
- McAuliffe Elementary School
- Morningside Elementary School
- Poiser Elementary School
- Southridge Elementary School
“It's important to note that all of our playgrounds in LISD are accessible," Fite said. "Really, what we are looking for is enhanced accessibility style so it means they have a few components that are at the next level.”
Playgrounds will have the wood chip bedding swapped for synthetic turf, which reduces the risk for splinters, choking and cuts, and doesn’t leave mud or residue on clothing. The designs add enhanced accessibility stations students in wheelchairs can use without aid, Fite said.
More details
Along with the playground replacements, 15 campuses will receive new shade structures at their playgrounds. Some of these campuses will receive structures at their prekindergarten playgrounds, some at the main playground and others will have them installed at both depending on need, Fite said.
Crews can complete most of the work by the summer’s end, but district officials anticipate some of the shade structure projects will bleed into the 2024-25 school year, Fite said.
Also of note
The district plans to replace the interior bleachers at Arbor Creek Middle School beginning in late summer or early fall, he said. Officials are also narrowing in on a final price for flooring and casework replacements scheduled to start this summer. Casework refers to built-in cabinets, drawers, cupboards and other similar features.
Going forward
District officials will provide the board with the bid evaluations and recommendations for the projects before the next meeting where it will consider their approval, Fite said.
