The Fort Bend ISD board of trustees approved during a May 17 regular meeting the construction of multiple new schools, expansions at existing ones and the rebuilding of Lakeview and Meadows elementary schools, which will be considered for a potential November 2018 bond program that must be called by August. The total estimated cost of approved projects is approximately $362.5 million—not including alternative options, according to FBISD data. “We have refocused our efforts to address building utilization while still developing innovations and instruction that prepare our students for a future beyond our system,” FBISD Superintendent Charles Dupre said. The board approved classroom additions for Neill and Madden elementary schools and Fort Settlement Middle School. Trustees also decided to expand student capacity for the soon-to-be-constructed Elementary School No. 51. The board also approved rebuilding Lakeview and Meadows, providing that displaced students will attend Barrington Place Elementary School, which will not be repurposed for district use. All three schools have been the focus of residents who consider them integral parts of each community. “It concerns me a great deal when we talk about closing schools or repurposing schools,” board President Kristin Tassin said. “We have to balance [the budget] with the emotions of the community and with what’s best for kids.” District data shows Meadows and Lakeview could be rebuilt in school years 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively. FBISD leaders decided to pursue land acquisition options for the construction of a new elementary school in Riverstone. However, the board decided if land is unavailable, classroom additions will be constructed at Commonwealth, Austin Parkway and Settlers Way elementary schools. “We’re really relying on the bond for a new school, and we’re really relying on the bond for additions,” Tassin said. Trustees also voted to approve three new elementary schools and one new middle school to balance enrollment. Trustees also directed staff to include an unspecified amount of funds in the potential 2018 bond proposal to buy land for a potential new high school in Sienna Plantation as Ridge Point faces overutilization by school year 2022-23. The board voted in support of re-evaluating school boundaries district-wide to balance enrollment as an immediate answer and directed staff to explore flexible scheduling options. “The goal of the administration has remained constant: To ensure that we’re doing everything we can to provide the very best learning environments for our students while utilizing our facilities as efficiently as possible,” Dupre said.