With enrollment at Tomball ISD elementary schools increasing at a rate of approximately 300 students per year, the district is considering calling a bond election this May to help fund the creation of four new campuses, among other district needs. The TISD Board of Trustees created a steering committee in October to look into the most effective ways to deal with growth and held a public forum Jan. 28 to present its findings to the community.

"We are at a very exciting time in the district right now," said Rick Pritchett, chair of the steering committee. "Growth brings certain needs, and planning for quality schools is a byproduct of that. We're all in Tomball for many reasons, but I think we can agree that quality schools is at the top of our collective list."

If the board does call for a bond election, the committee recommends the money be used to build a K–5 and junior high school in The Woodlands area, as well as a K–4 and intermediate school for fifth and sixth graders in the southern part of the district.

The need for these schools is based on growth projections through the 2018–19 school year, Pritchett said.

"This is a five year plan," he said. "This is not something where we pass the bond and then build. The projects will be staggered, with more details to be determined."

The steering committee—which is composed of TISD staff, parents, local business leaders and other district patrons—looked at future developments, number of rooftops and number of lots available for development in determining enrollment at each campus through 2018. Although Creekside Forest Elementary is the only school exceeding capacity this year, projections show Canyon Pointe Elementary and North Point Intermediate school exceeding capacity in 2014, Willow Creek Elementary and Tomball Junior High School in 2015, and Timber Creek campuses in 2016.

"The bottom line is: we've got growth," Pritchett said. "The kids are not only coming, they're here."

The committee arrived at an estimated total $168,296,726 for all necessary improvements, with roughly $110 million set aside for the four new schools, $30 million for additions and renovations to existing infrastructure and $28 million for improvements to transportation and technology. Other recommendations included new buses and upgrades to transportation facilities, as well as the installation of security vestibules at the main entrance of all campuses.

Pritchett said the district would avoid going over a tax rate of five cents per $100 valuation. He also noted that the costs are all estimates at this point, and may need to be adjusted after the design process. The board has a history of spending less than estimated in previous bond elections, he said.

"We have a desire to provide the very best for our kids in this district, but we have to do that with a hand on the fiscal steering wheel," he said.

The steering committee will make its final presentation to the board of trustees Feb. 11. The board will take its input into account, along with community comments, before calling or passing on a bond election March 1. Election day is May 11.