Lone Star College System leaders announced Feb. 20 a $498 million bond referendum will be up for voter approval this May—one effort the college system is making to keep up with student growth.

More than 30,000 new students have enrolled at one of six LSCS campuses since 2008 when the last bond referendum occurred, bringing the total enrollment to more than 90,000 students.

"The enrollment growth at Lone Star College System is unprecedented," said Richard Carpenter, LSCS chancellor.

A citizen's committee recommended to the board of trustees earlier in February the need for a referendum to construct new learning facilities and infrastructure to prepare for the increased student enrollment. The referendum would add 1 million square feet of instructional and support building space and possibly cover the renovation of 255,000 square feet of existing space. Information on specific projects that would be financed at each campus if the referendum passes will be released later this month, but the bond money will only be used for construction and not operating expenses, according to LSCS.

The referendum would not require an increase in the LSCS tax rate, which is the same as it was 15 years ago.

Early voting for the May 11 election will last April 29–May 7.