During a joint meeting with Sugar Land City Council on Nov. 28 the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees announced it will consider approving a contract with Smart Financial Centre in December for 2018 commencement ceremonies.

At the end of the 2016-17 school year students from all 11 FBISD high schools graduated in Smart Financial Centre over two days, FBISD Chief Communications Officer Veronica Sopher said. Looking ahead to the class of 2018's graduation the district is hoping to expand from two days to three, she said.

“We’re continuing to improve this process, and the city [of Sugar Land] has been fantastic,” Sopher said.

Some issues last year included getting families and graduates in and out of the venue in time for the next ceremony to begin, making the schedule challenging for board members and staff, FBISD board President Kristin Tassin said.

“Those are two of the most grueling days and exciting days as a board member,” Tassin said. “It’s difficult; it’s challenging; but it’s also amazing and exciting and wonderful all at the same time. Going to three days, I think, is going to help us a lot with our stamina.”

Sugar Land Council Member Amy Mitchell said she is excited Fort Bend can host graduations and hopes to see some kinks worked out next year.

“I am thrilled that the graduations are here in Fort Bend,” Mitchell said. “I was very excited when we opened the performing arts center, and one of my goals certainly was for that to happen. [Some] of the comments that I heard along the way were the cost to the school district … and the parking.”

FBISD Superintendent Charles Dupre said the cost of hosting commencement ceremonies at the Smart Financial Centre has remained competitive. Another issue that is being addressed is additional tickets for seats for family members of graduates, Dupre said. The fire marshal anticipates adding an additional 1,000 tickets for next year’s ceremonies, Dupre said.

“That’s one of the reasons we’re so thankful for the city’s engagement,” Dupre said. “We have been able to match [the cost of] and most likely be slightly below our other two options; otherwise we would be seriously be considering other options.”

FBISD will hold a called meeting and agenda review Dec. 11 and a regular board meeting Dec. 18.