Members of CFISD’s Long Range Planning Committee, composed of parents and other community members, have been evaluating district infrastructure and programs since late September to identify areas needing investment over the next six years.
The big picture
The committee identified approximately $1.4 billion in Priority 1 needs for the district, including vehicle replacements, facility renovations and security enhancements, per the presentation. Additionally, an estimated $281 million is needed for Priority 2 upgrades and $24 million for other improvements.
High-priority needs listed in the presentation include:
- $82.2 million for school bus replacements and upgrades
- $79.7 million for Priority 1 athletics upgrades
- $76.5 million for fine arts improvements
- $30 million for Priority 2 athletics upgrades
- $24.6 million to improve portable buildings and security
- $16 million to upgrade the district’s radio system
- $10.3 million for new police vehicles
- $10.1 million for the replacement of multipurpose white fleet vehicles
- $6 million for playground improvements
Looking back
CFISD voters last approved a bond in 2019 for just over $1.76 billion to fund an array of campus renovations, security enhancements and upgrades to athletic facilities, according to the district’s website.
Prior to 2014, the district had been passing bonds about every three years, according to a list of previous bond projects. However, the last couple of proposals took place approximately five to six years apart.
While the LRPC discussed the potential of a 2026 bond proposal during its Jan. 7 meeting, Lucas told the board of trustees Jan. 15 that the committee has not reached a decision.
A quick note
CFISD officials said the district does not expect its property tax rate to increase if a bond is approved. However, it’s possible the tax rate—currently $1.0669 per $100 home valuation—could decrease if a bond does not pass.
Texas law requires that a school bond proposition be labeled as a property tax increase on the ballot even if the tax rate is projected to remain the same or decrease, officials said.
All funds collected through bond proceeds must go toward the identified infrastructure needs and cannot be used for the district’s general operations, per the presentation.
A closer look
Transportation-related investments make up the highest estimated cost, according to the report. CFISD’s transportation services department is the largest of any school district in the state, with more than 65,000 student riders across 704 route buses and multipurpose vehicles, according to the presentation.
The Transportation Services Department recommends vehicles be replaced every 15 years in line with state and national guidelines, Lucas said. Approximately 136 white fleet vehicles and nine school buses are at least 15 years old, the presentation shows.
Lucas said the district is also looking to upgrade its radio system equipment to improve coverage gaps and communication, as the Cy-Fair area has grown rapidly since CFISD established its radio system in 2014.
Chief Operations Officer Matt Morgan said CFISD police officers currently have to carry two separate radios to communicate with district staff and local law enforcement. Upgrading the district’s radio system would improve interoperability with surrounding agencies, he said.
As for fine arts investments, the district identified needed renovations to the Cypress Creek High School and Jersey Village High School auditoriums, which would total approximately $72.5 million. Lucas said 11 high schools also require band storage improvements, with an estimated cost of about $4 million.
What’s next?
The last LRPC meeting is Jan. 28, and the committee will make its final recommendation to the board of trustees Feb. 5, Lucas said.
A 2026 bond election may only be held May 2 or Nov. 3, and the board of trustees must call the election in an open meeting, according to state law.
The board must make its decision by Feb. 13 for a May 2 election, per the Texas secretary of state’s office. If the board wanted to call a bond election for November, it would need to do so by Aug. 17.
