HPISD School Board endorses Facilities Advisory Committee's plan

In preparation for a November bond election, the HPISD School Board unanimously endorsed the Facilities Advisory Committee's (FAC) long-term plan to accommodate HPISD's continued enrollment growth. The FAC's recommendation was presented to the Board at last night's called meeting after 10 months of research and study, and is designed to provide a 15-20 year solution to address needs and growth. The plan calls for the construction of a new elementary school, the first since 1949, and the rebuilding of three existing elementary schools: Bradfield, Hyer and University Park. In addition, the recommendation calls for renovations to Armstrong Elementary, and campus expansion and classroom additions at McCulloch Intermediate/Highland Park Middle School and Highland Park High School. The projected total for the bond program is $358.3 million. Click here to view the FAC's recommendation. "On behalf of the Trustees, I want to extend our deep appreciation to the FAC for its vision and dedication to the district as it developed this recommendation," School Board President Joe Taylor said. "This plan will help maintain the educational excellence at each of our campuses, and it will provide a long-term solution for the steady enrollment growth that we have experienced for the past several decades." The Board has charged the FAC with expanding the dialogue with parents and community members about the needs and opportunities addressed in the proposal. As part of the process, the FAC will host public forums to discuss the recommendation before a bond election is formally called in August. Details about the forums will be released when dates and times are finalized. "Community feedback is a vital part of the bond-planning process," School Board Facilities Chair Jim Hitzelberger said. "The public forums will allow the FAC to present its plan to the community and listen to comments and assessments of the proposal." To submit your comments to the FAC ahead of the public forums, click here to access an online feedback form. For more information on HPISD's enrollment growth, click here.