Conroe ISD Bond Planning Committee considers needs ahead of possible bond referendum

As Conroe ISD considers what a Nov. 7 bond referendum could consist of, its 160-member Bond Planning Committee met three times in February to discuss district needs and recommendations, according to a March 2 news release from the district.

The committee voted in favor of assembling a bond proposal with priorities such as addressing growth through new facilities and other improvements, according to the release.

According to the district, the meetings on Feb. 2, 8 and 22 consisted of feedback from representatives of the district as well as experts in fields such as construction, surveying and finances. Additional meetings are upcoming March 2, 9, 23 and 30.

The district news release states that its 67 schools are operating at an average capacity of 102%, with projections indicating it could grow from 71,000 to students to 100,000 students or more by the year 2033. About 53,000 new housing construction projects are planned in the area, according to projections by Population and Survey Analysts.

Among the recommendations being considered are a new high school in the Conroe High School feeder zone; a ninth-grade campus and new elementary school for Caney Creek High School; a campus for grades 7-9 in the Grand Oaks High School feeder zone; and a new junior high school in the Conroe feeder zone.

According to previous reporting, CISD recently closed on land in the Artavia master-planned community for a future school.

Other topics for discussion at subsequent committee meetings in March, April and May will include other capital improvements and land acquisitions needed, according to the district.

The final committee meeting will be in July, according to the release, and the final day fo put a bond on the ballot is Aug. 21.

Editor's note: The final day to put a bond on the ballot has been corrected to Aug. 21, according to the Texas Secretary of State's website.