Georgetown ISD progressing on bond-funded instructional facilities

These schools serve growing communities in the district’s west, such as Santa Rita Ranch and Parmer Ranch communities, as well as growth in the district's career and technology education programming.

In an Aug. 5 board workshop, Wes Vanicek, GISD's chief of construction services and future readiness initiatives, shared that more projects for district instructional facilities were approaching the finish line.

A replacement of much of Georgetown High School’s roof was also recently completed, Vanicek said. About 50% of the total roofing material on the building was replaced, he said.

Also on the GHS campus, the district’s second agriculture barn is expected to be completed soon, Vanicek said, as the district works to remediate some issues with landscaping.

As the district wraps up some 2021 bond projects, it is just getting started with those funded by the 2024 bond series.

How we got here

In 2021, Georgetown voters approved two of three bond propositions, authorizing the district to issue $333.42 million in bonds for school facilities and capital improvement as well as $16.5 million in bonds for technology infrastructure and equipment.

Just three years later in May 2024, the district went out for $649 million in bonds, composed of Proposition A, which designates $597.4 million to capital improvements, school facilities, safety and security; Proposition B, which allocates $20.33 million to technology and technology infrastructure improvements; Proposition C, which sets aside $27.85 million to fine arts facilities improvements; and Proposition D, which provides $3.86 million to improvements to athletic facilities.

What’s next

Vanicek said the district is currently in the process of designing its third comprehensive high school, to be located near D.B. Wood Road.

This was the largest project in the 2024 bond package, he said, and made up the majority of the $597.47 million Proposition A.

It will be several years before the school is constructed, Vanicek said, as the district goes through the design, planning and permitting process.

Also upcoming is the conversion of the old Benold Middle School campus into the new Frost Elementary School, he said. The current front of the campus that people might be familiar with will soon become the back of the campus, as it is reoriented and renovated.