KLEIN ISD Nearly six years after initially considering designs for the district's fifth high school, the Klein ISD board of trustees approved a new design June 9 for High School No. 5. The school is planned for completion in August 2017.

The board of trustees approved the first of two design options presented by Houston-based firm PBK at a Klein ISD board meeting June 9. The first option featured a more traditional, German look similar to other Klein ISD schools.

"What I see in option A is what the board approved in 2008," Superintendent Jim Cain said. "I think it has a great look. I think it has a great design. I think it has a great educational impact. However, several of you were not here on the board in July 2008, and we wanted you to have a second view."

The second option featured a more modern faade, but the interior was similar, PBK Partner Ian Powell said. The cost difference between the two designs was negligible, he said.

The 665,000-square-foot campus will be built to serve up to 3,600 students and will be located on an 83-acre site south of Spring Cypress Road next to Ulrich Intermediate School. The school was originally planned as part of the 2008 bond election but the project was delayed and Klein ISD opted to rebuild Klein High School first.

Robert Robertson, associate superintendent of facilities for Klein ISD, said about $60 million remains from the 2008 bond funds for the project, but money will be required from an upcoming bond referendum in 2015 for the estimated $155 million-$175 million required for the new high school.

The board of trustees voted in May to begin early site work in January, including utilities. Should voters not approve next year's bond referendum, the site work will not be wasted.