As Magnolia ISD continues district projects funded by its $92 million November 2015 bond package, the Tomball ISD board of trustees unanimously voted Aug. 15 to call a $275 million bond referendum for the Nov. 7 election. TISD last called for a bond in 2013, totaling $160 million.

According to a statement released Aug. 25, bond projects include construction of elementary and junior high campuses in southern TISD, an agriculture barn at Tomball High School, a natatorium at Tomball Memorial High School and a 10,000-seat football stadium, including 3,000 parking spaces.

Additionally, funds are included for an expansion of Tomball Memorial High School, 20 air-conditioned buses, facility renovations and additional instructional technology.

The district has not yet released the cost of each bond project. However, the 2017 bond referendum would not raise the property tax rate from $1.34 per $100 valuation if approved by voters, according to the statement.

Magnolia ISD
In Magnolia, many renovations were completed this summer, MISD Communications Director Denise Meyers said.

Students at Williams Elementary School gained a new cafeteria and classrooms. Crews also completed classroom renovations at Magnolia Elementary School and added parking spaces.

The libraries at both junior high schools were renovated as well.

“The libraries now have smaller group instruction-type rooms, and those rooms also have new technology with interactive TVs for instructional purposes,” she said.

Magnolia Junior High also received athletic locker rooms and renovated gym locker rooms, Meyers said.

While many of the bond projects are completed, additional facilities are set to open in spring and summer of 2018.

Magnolia and Bear Branch intermediate schools will open for the 2018-19 school year, housing fifth and sixth grades.

In March, the Magnolia Conference Center, estimated to cost $6 million, is set to open near Magnolia Parkway Elementary School. The facility will feature group instruction rooms, offices, a concession area and a 15,000-square-foot meeting space, Meyers said.

“That space will be a great use for our convocation, all of our teacher trainings and also a place for the community to have access to use as well for special events,” she said.