By fall 2017, Katy ISD estimates about 12,000 new housing units will be added within its boundaries, according to a demographic study. And looking ahead at which neighborhoods will draw the most homes, at its April 29 meeting the district approved construction of two elementary schools its southwest region—one in Pine Mill Ranch and another in Cross Creek Ranch.

Scheduled to open in August 2014, the combined cost for the schools is about $41 million, all of which is covered from the 2010 bond election. Staff recommended packaging the schools together to help keep costs down.

Drymalla Construction Company was awarded the contract, and has constructed the same design nine times. It also completed Wilson Elementary School and Seven Lakes Junior High for KISD.

Once completed, the district's demographic study's results suggest the north will be the next to see explosive growth, inevitably accompanied by new schools.