McKinney | August 2023

EDUCATION

2023 EDUCATION EDITION

Prosper ISD to consider $2.6 billion bond PROSPER ISD District residents could see a $2.6 billion bond to address a growing student population on the Nov. 7 ballot. Prosper ISD’s community committee • Buying land as the district can nd it “The [committee] is invaluable to the plan- ning process because it allows the district to hear from and incorporate many dierent perspectives from people in the community,” Superintendent Holly Ferguson said. BY SAMANTHA DOUTY

A GROWING DISTRICT Prosper ISD’s long range planning committee recommended at $2.6 billion bond that would help with the district’s growing student population. If the board wants the bond on the ballot, it must be approved by Aug. 21.

BUILD NEW SCHOOLS & SUPPORT FACILITIES • One early childhood school • Six elementary schools • Two middle schools • Complete high school No. 4 • High school No. 5 • Second stadium (8,000 seat) • Administration building/ professional learning center • Outdoor learning experience UPGRADE TECHNOLOGY • Technology infrastructure • Technology devices for students, teachers, sta OTHER BOND ITEMS • Reinforce safety and security measures • Buy land • Provide buses and other vehicles for transportation

MODERNIZE EXPAND EXISTING SCHOOLS & FACILITIES Modernize eight campuses: Baker, Cockrell, Folsom, Light Farms and Rucker elementary schools, Reynolds and Rogers middle schools, and Prosper High School Expand four campuses: Rucker Elementary School, Reynolds Middle School, Rogers Middle School and Prosper High School Update current administration building for alternate use Renovate turf and tracks

recommended the multi-billion dollar bond package during a June 19 meeting. All items must be approved to be placed on the ballot by Aug. 21. The background The community committee, known as the PISD Long Range Planning Committee, looked at demographic data, housing information and a comprehensive facilities study to make a recommendation. The committee members prioritized: • Building new schools to address growth • Modernizing older campuses and district facilities • Building additional facilities that support campuses • Embedding safety & security measures • Providing technology infrastructure to last into the unknown future • Providing exibility in devices to prepare for the unknown future

The details The recommendation of the Long Range Planning Committee is grounded in the best available data, Chief Communications Ocer Rachel Trotter said. The ever-changing land- scape of ination and escalating construction costs introduces real challenges in accurately projecting future expenses, particularly over a span of ve to seven years, she said. Bonds are not released all at once; they are only sold when necessary. If the voters approve the entire bond amount, the district will access these funds incrementally as needed, Trotter said. “Any bond measure brought before the voters for approval has been diligently crafted by our team of experienced demog- raphers, construction experts, and economic advisors, using their expertise to make the most accurate predictions,” Trotter said.

SOURCE: PROSPER ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT

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