BY KARLEY CROSS
Bryan ISD discusses budget challenges Bryan ISD leaders said at an April 6 meeting that declining student attendance and enroll- ment are beginning to hit district finances. What you need to know A district-contracted demographer said multiple factors contribute to the decline, including declining birth rates, retiree population and growth in alternative learning programs. BISD officials are exploring alternative learning options and other ways to keep stu- dents in class. The district’s attendance rate is expected to drop slightly from last year. Bryan ISD approves nearly $170M in bond projects at 2 meetings Bryan ISD approved contracts for design, construction planning and renovations at several schools across the district at both its March 23 and April 20 board meetings, advancing work funded through the district’s 2025 bond. The details At the March 23 meeting, officials approved more than $146.8 million in work across three high schools. The work will include renovations at Bryan and Rudder high schools, as well as the rebuild of Bryan Collegiate High School. Bryan Collegiate High School will be demolished and rebuilt at its same site, at 1901 E. Villa Maria Road, according to district documents. On April 20, officials also approved $19 million in renovations at around a dozen schools.
Education news 3 stories we’re following online
BISD bond projects
$98M Renovations at Bryan and Rudder high schools
$166.7M Total
1 College Station ISD approves $570K bus seat belt upgrades to meet state law College Station ISD will retrofit 19 buses with three-point seat belts, as required under Senate Bill 546. The district plans to retire 30 school buses within the next two years. 2 Bryan ISD previews timeline for $35.8M Merrill Green Fieldhouse replacement As part of the district’s 2025 bond plan, Bryan ISD will be rebuilding its fieldhouse. It will not be demolished until February 2027, but school officials said athletes will be without a fieldhouse for at least one season. 3 Texas A&M names Susan Ballabina sole finalist for university president The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents unanimously voted April 13 to approve Susan Ballabina as the sole finalist to become the next president of Texas A&M University.
$49M Rebuild of Bryan Collegiate $9.9M Restroom renovation or restoration $3.7M Wall finish improvements $3.6M Floor finishes, renovations, restorations $2.5M Upgrades to campus spaces
Elementary school
Intermediate school
Middle school
High school
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WILLIAM JOEL BRYAN PKWY.
SANDY POINT RD.
6B
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6
N
W. VILLA MARIA RD.
SOURCE: BRYAN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
College Station ISD OKs, plans future bond projects
Approved bond projects
College Station ISD trustees approved several bond-funded projects at its April 21 meeting, aimed at modernizing campus technology and replacing aging building systems across the district. Officials also discussed plans for future projects, including choosing a firm to carry them out. The gist Trustees approved multiple purchases funded through bond programs to modernize learning environments and campus infrastructure. These items were passed without discussion. What else? Trustees unanimously approved the ranking of six firms as the district gauges what company it will go with for districtwide mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements. The board did not choose a contractor yet. Instead, the vote allowed the district to move into the next phase, where firms will submit detailed pricing proposals before a final selection. District Executive Director of Facilities Paul Buckner said the project addresses aging infra- structure identified during a districtwide assess- ment, which was completed in November 2025.
$827K
$264K
$161K
District management technology Classroom audiovisual equipment and upgrades, fine arts and auxiliary gym at several schools Cabling infrastructure upgrades at CSHS
Planned bond projects
Completing LED lighting upgrades across campuses
BISD budget factors
projected attendance rate for 2025-26 school year 93.45%
Replacing aging HVAC systems, including 7-10 units at A&M Consolidated High School that are more than 40 years old Installing temperature and humidity control systems in server rooms to protect technology
of budget goes to payroll 85.2%
SOURCE: BRYAN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: COLLEGE STATION ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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BRYAN - COLLEGE STATION EDITION
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