Prosper ISD residents could see a $2.6 billion bond on the Nov. 7 ballot to account for growth in the district.

PISD’s community committee recommended the multibillion-dollar bond package during a June 19 meeting. All items must be approved to be placed on the ballot by Aug. 21.

The background

The community committee, known as the PISD Long Range Planning Committee, looked at demographic data, housing information and a comprehensive facilities study to make a recommendation.

The goal of the committee was to make a recommendation that could guide the district's building program over the next five to seven years, district officials said.

The committee members prioritized:

• Building new schools to address growth
• Modernizing older campuses and district facilities
• Building additional facilities that support campuses
• Embedding safety and security measures
• Providing technology infrastructure to last into the unknown future
• Providing flexibility in devices to prepare for the unknown future
• Buying land as the district can find it

“As one of the fastest-growing school districts in the state that attracts more than 3,000 new students each year, we must continually evaluate our facilities and support systems to determine if our learning environments, equipment and infrastructure are equipped to best support the future for our children and community,” Superintendent Holly Ferguson said. “The [committee] is invaluable to the planning process because it allows the district to hear from and incorporate many different perspectives from people in the community.”

The details

The committee’s recommendation is firmly grounded in the best available data, Chief Communications Officer Rachel Trotter said. The ever-changing landscape of inflation and escalating construction costs introduces real challenges in accurately projecting future expenses, particularly over a span of five to seven years, she said.

Bonds are not released all at once; they are only sold when necessary. If the voters approve the entire bond amount, the district will access these funds incrementally as the need for building facilities arises. This strategic approach ensures district leaders are responsible stewards of the funds provided by the community, Trotter said.

“Any bond measure brought before the voters for approval has been diligently crafted by our team of experienced demographers, construction experts and economic advisers, using their expertise to make the most accurate predictions,” Trotter said.

The breakdown

The recommendation from the committee includes:

• Building new schools and support facilities
  • One early childhood school
  • Six elementary schools
  • Two middle schools
  • High School No. 4
  • High School No. 5
  • Second stadium (8,000 seats)
  • Administration building/professional learning center
  • Outdoor learning experience
• Modernize/expand existing schools and facilities
  • Modernize eight campuses
    • Baker Elementary School
    • Cockrell Elementary School
    • Folsom Elementary School
    • Light Farms Elementary School
    • Rucker Elementary School
    • Reynolds Middle School
    • Rogers Middle School
    • Prosper High School
  • Expand four campuses
    • Rucker Elementary School
    • Reynolds Middle School
    • Rogers Middle School
    • Prosper Hight School
  • Update administration building for alternate use
  • Renovate turf and tracks
• Reinforce safety and security measures
• Buy land
• Provide buses and other vehicles for transportation
• Upgrade technology
  • Technology infrastructure
  • Technology devices for students, teachers and staff

Stay tuned

The board must vote to place the items on the ballot. More information regarding the recommendation can be found on PISD's website.