Highland
Park ISD voters tonight approved a $361.4 million bond proposal that will be
used to transform the district's schools during the next five years.
The
proposal was approved by HPISD voters by a margin of 55-45 percent. More than
8,200 votes were cast - more than three times the total in the most recent
HPISD bond election held in 2008.
The
school district will now begin the process of building its first new elementary
school in more than 60 years and replacing Bradfield, Hyer and University Park
Elementary Schools with new facilities. In addition, renovations and expansions
will take place at the district's three other schools: Armstrong Elementary
School, McCulloch Intermediate/Highland Park Middle School and Highland Park
High School.
The
new schools and facility expansion will provide additional classroom space to
schools that are already at or above capacity. HPISD's enrollment has grown by
3,000 students during the last 25 years.
"I
am grateful to the voters in HPISD for the historic decision they made in this
election," said HPISD Board President Joe Taylor. "For 101 years,
HPISD has had a proud tradition of excellence in its schools. Tonight, voters
overwhelmingly chose to build on that foundation of success for the next 100
years. This bond election isn't just an investment in Highland Park ISD; it is
an investment in the future of the Park Cities."
"We
sincerely appreciate the confidence that the community has shown in the Board
of Trustees' and Facilities Advisory Committee's direction for the future of
HPISD," said Dr. Tom Trigg, Superintendent of HPISD. "Voters'
willingness to invest in a long-term solution for the district will pay
dividends for our students and this community for years to come."
The
district will now start the process of selling the bonds followed by seeking
proposals from contractors to begin construction and renovation projects at all
six of the district's schools. It will also move forward with purchasing
property from Northway Christian Church, just south of Northwest Highway, to
build a new elementary school. Construction at the site is expected to begin in
the spring of 2016 with the goal of being completed in time for the 2017-18
school year.
"The
real work now begins," said Dr. Trigg. "As an administration, we are
committed to allocating bond funds wisely and judiciously in implementing the
goals of this bond program. Our goal is to continue to make this community
exceedingly proud of its schools."
In
addition to thanking voters, Board President Taylor expressed his appreciation
for the district's Facilities Advisory Committee, which spent more than a year
reviewing information, having discussions and finally making its sweeping
recommendations.
"The
work by this committee of dedicated HPISD parents, grandparents and alumni was
absolutely paramount to tonight's election result," said Taylor. "They
asked tough questions along the way and ultimately came up with a visionary
plan for this school district. Each one of this 21-member committee is owed a
debt of gratitude for the extraordinary commitment to the students in our
community."
Dr.
Trigg noted that the support for the bond election came from a broad spectrum
of community leaders.
"The
hallmark of any community is the strength of its schools and good leaders
understand and recognize that," said Dr. Trigg. "The combination of
the leadership of our board of trustees, the district's Facilities Advisory
Committee, along with current and former leaders of both the City of University
Park and the Town of Highland Park, created a very powerful coalition. Working
together, they made a strong statement about the importance of this
election."
In addition to rebuilding Bradfield, Hyer and University Park Elementary
Schools, the bonds will be used to add 48 classrooms to Highland Park High
School, 46 classrooms to McCulloch Intermediate/Highland Park Middle School and
an addition to the east side of Armstrong Elementary School, as well as
interior renovations, technology upgrades and life cycle improvements.
HPISD
