District closer to bond decision

Based on community input, demographic projections from Templeton Demographics and other feedback, voters would likely support a $200 million bond package, said Barbara Beto, co-chairwoman of the Citizens Bond Committee. The preliminary view at this time indicates the community might not support a bond election greater than $300 million, she said.

"We're going to get a larger-than-life list of needs for the district," Beto said at a Dec. 19 meeting. "We want many report[s] from Templeton [Demographics] to make sure that when we say that we are building a new school, that we need it. There's no doubt that the needs are great. There is no doubt that growth is coming. That is the black and white. The part that is gray that we are not ready to get to is what is the best way to fix it."

According to demographic information presented to the board, RRISD has increased by 15,000 students in the past 13 years, or about 1,000 new students per year.

At a Jan. 16 meeting, district officials said the district's enrollment is expected to increase by 850 students by January 2015.

According to district officials, RRISD has three elementary schools that are at more than 125 percent capacity, and eight of its 10 middle schools are at more than 100 percent capacity. The bond election could include funding for an 11th middle school and a 34th elementary school.

If the board decides to hold off on calling a bond election in 2014, it could consider one in 2015, Hanna said.

Significant upcoming dates

Feb. 20—The board could decide to call a May bond election at its meeting. This could be the last scheduled board meeting for the public to provide comments regarding the bond election.

Feb. 25—This meeting is tentatively scheduled in case the board needs more time to make a decision about whether to call the bond election.

Feb. 28—RRISD must call a May bond election by this date.

For more information about the Citizens Bond Committee and board of trustees meetings, including meeting minutes, agendas and schedules, visit www.roundrockisd.org.