Education
BY DUSTIN BUTLER
PISD ‘one third’ through 2022 bond program Plano ISD’s bond projects are progressing well, Director of New Construction Tony Pearson said. The overview Since November, four Phase 1 projects—the Men- denhall Elementary employee childcare center and HVAC work for Harrington Elementary, Beverly Elementary and Andrews Elementary—have been “substantially completed,” Pearson said. Additionally, the board approved five contracts— structural repairs for Clark High School, the Career & Technical Education Center, which broke ground in November, and renovations to Plano West High School, Plano East High School and Vines High School. What else? Several Phase 2 system and compliance capital improvements are currently underway, Pearson
Plano ISD expects budget shortfall in fiscal year 2025-26 Plano ISD Chief Financial Officer Court- ney Reeves said the district is likely facing a $26.5 million deficit for the coming fiscal year. “We know we still have a lot of work to do,” Reeves said. The details Preliminary data estimates the district’s revenue at $527.29 million with a majority coming from property tax collections, Reeves said. Expenditures are estimated at $553.79 million. Additionally, Reeves said demographer projections indicate a 1.7% decline in stu- dent enrollment. The decline is an approxi- mately $7.6 million loss in revenue.
ANDREWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
BEVERLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
HEDGCOXE RD.
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PARKER RD.
HARRINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MENDENHALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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said, adding that they are on track for completions in summer 2025. Quote of note “We’re a third of the way through our bond program,” said Johnny Hill, deputy superintendent for business and employee services for PISD. “One more large program and then we will have all of our major projects underway.”
Plano ISD plan aims to improve commute safety
District policy states that transportation must be provided to all students who cross:
Dallas North Tollway President George Bush Turnpike Preston Road Active railroad tracks Areas that do not have sidewalks or a safe path
Four- or six-lane roadway with a speed limit over 45 mph Four- or six-lane roadway that does not have pedestrian- activated traffic signals US 75
uncontrolled major artery road, industrial or commercial area or other comparable conditions. In total, 20 routes will be discounted and three new routes will be added. The district currently has 210 bus routes , 220 drivers and 305 buses , Ewing said. Additionally, the budget for transportation is $20.6 million with a TEA allotment of $1.5 million , leaving about a $19 million funding gap.
In an effort to make student commutes to schools safer, Plano ISD is intending to update its hazardous road policy. Diving deeper The Texas Education Agency defines a haz- ardous roadway as an area where no walkway is provided and students must walk along or across a freeway, expressway, underpass, bridge,
SOURCE: PLANO ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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