Friendswood ISD’s board of trustees approved a change order at its May 13 meeting worth $1.75 million for 2020 bond projects, prioritizing the band, choir and engineering building at Friendswood High School.

What’s happening?

The priority for the band, choir and engineering building comes after the work schedule was altered due to officials suspending construction following the roof collapse in the boys gym at Friendswood High School last June, which killed a construction worker and injured three others.

It is anticipated that a majority of these funds will be reimbursed to FISD through insurance funds and other sources, according to district documents.

Diving in deeper

These bond projects root from the $127 million construction bond that was passed in 2020, as previously reported by Community Impact.

The bond allowed the district to undergo major additions and renovations, including:

• A new auditorium and competition gym at Friendswood High School
• A new elementary school in the West Ranch subdivision
• 4-6 classroom additions at Windsong Intermediate, Bales Intermediate and Westwood Elementary

The bond projects have been completed at New Cline Elementary, Windsong Elementary, Westwood Elementary and Bales Intermediate, according to a presentation provided by the district.

Stay tuned

The band, choir and engineering building at Friendswood High School is expected to be complete by July 15 along with the culinary and audiovisual studio, and existing boys gym, according to the presentation.

Friendswood High School’s Performing Arts Center is expected to be complete by June, according to the presentation.