Fort Bend ISD officials offered insights into the summer’s accomplishments, as well as ongoing and future projects, on facility upgrades on the voter-approved 2023 $1.26 billion program.

Newly appointed Chief Operations Officer Thomas Lawing said more than 50 campuses saw upgrades during the 11-week summer break, including renovated athletic facilities, new classroom furniture and complete interior overhauls.

“The overarching goal was to create learning environments that are more engaging, comfortable and functional for our students,” he said at the Oct. 6 board meeting.

The details

Of the $1.26 billion total, the district has spent $356.4 million to date and $411.02 million in encumbered funds for projects that have been board-approved but not yet disbursed, said Chief Financial Officer Bryan Guinn, leaving a remain bond amount of $491.95 million.


Officials pointed to several completion highlights, including:
  • Kickstart program spaces: Ten campuses received modernized martial arts spaces, previously housed in woodshops or repurposed classrooms, including new flooring, shelving, murals, LED lighting and rooftop heating, ventilation and air conditioning units for after-school use.
  • Library transformation at Kempner High School: Kempner, one of three high schools selected for full furniture refreshes, received a library redesign to include classroom-style learning zones, soft seating areas and presentation spaces.
  • Flooring replacements: Contractors installed over 180,000 square feet of new flooring at Ridgegate, Richmond, Sugar Mill and Town West Elementary Schools, with designs that incorporated school colors and mascots for a personalized touch.


Another thing

Recognizing the HVAC challenges at the beginning of the school year, Deputy Superintendent of Operations Kathleen Brown said the district prioritized related projects during the summer at several campuses, including:
  • Goodman Elementary
  • Hunters Glen Elementary
  • Holley Elementary
  • Hunters Glen Elementary
  • Ridgegate Elementary
  • M. R. Wood Center for Learning
Lawing said projects including chiller and cooling tower replacements were identified during the district’s facility condition assessment approved in May, in addition to mechanical room and above-ceiling work. While HVAC upgrades often go unnoticed visually, Lawing said they are “vital” to academic success.

“Research consistently shows that air quality and temperature control in classrooms directly impact how well students learn, behave and even attend school,” he said. “Replacing outdated HVAC systems can lead to measurable gains in academic performance, especially in math and reading.”


Moving forward

Following the approval of the Madden Elementary slab repairs and a transportation center for special education students in July, the bond contingency from previous bond funds is now totaling $44.1 million. Several projects—including $6.2 million needed to complete the aquatic practice facility— are expected to be presented to the board this coming school year, according to the presentation.


Guinn forecasted an increase in contingency reserves in November after the board brought forth an HVAC package that will come in under budget.

He also confirmed the $1.3 million planned kitchen renovations package, which was slated for November, is no longer on track to come forward, though additional details would be provided.