Highland Park ISD officials are planning for a $358 million bond program, which would be the priciest bond package in the history of the 100-year-old school district.
They will set a final amount in August, and an election will be held in November.
If voters approve the bond package, the district would open its first new elementary school since Dwight D. Eisenhower was president. It would also fund new buildings for three existing elementary schools, new technology at every campus and renovations at the middle school, intermediate school and high school.
According to the district’s current projection, the estimated annual tax increase for a home valued at $1 million would be about $1,630, or $136 per month.
The projects would help Highland Park ISD cope with rising student enrollment. More than 7,000 students are enrolled in the 6.2-square-mile district, which covers University Park, most of Highland Park and parts of Dallas.
A facilities advisory committee of parents and community members recommended the $358 million bond program to trustees on Monday.
Gage Prichard, committee co-chairman and longtime University Park resident, acknowledged that the price tag is high but said it’s necessary because of school crowding.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone who hasn’t seen the need,” he said. “They say the number is big, but the need is greater.”
Prichard said new and renovated school buildings will allow new styles of teaching, such as use of technology and more collaboration between students and teachers.
“We’re not looking for the Rolls-Royce. We’re not looking for the Cadillac,” he said. “We’re just looking for something that’s up to date.”
District officials will hold community meetings in June and July, board President Joe Taylor said. Over the summer, architects will meet with elementary school staff, parents and other voters to start envisioning how the new and rebuilt elementary schools may look.
The following are projects that would be included in the bond package:
•Armstrong Elementary would be renovated and expanded.
•Bradfield, Hyer and University Park elementary schools would be demolished and rebuilt.
•A fifth elementary school would be built on land bought from Northway Christian Church near Northwest Highway.
•Highland Park Middle School and McCulloch Intermediate School, which are connected, would be renovated and expanded.
•Highland Park High School would gain an addition to the northwest corner of the building. The pool facility would be demolished and replaced with classrooms in another addition. Other areas would be renovated or expanded.
•At the high school, the football stadium would be renovated. The indoor tennis courts would be moved and a multi-sport facility would be built in its place.
Melissa Repko/ Dallas Morning News
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