Trustees proactively discuss enrollment growth

Increasing enrollment and ways to manage that growth was a discussion item at the July 17 MISD Board of Trustees Regular Meeting. The robust conversation followed a presentation by administration that summarized the completion of the 2016 Bond Program and outlined alternative options in lieu of calling another bond election in November. The presentation was a discussion item only. Trustees did not take any action.

Administration reported that all 2016 bond projects were completed as promised, including the construction of a new elementary, new middle school, the rebuild of Irvin, and additions at Heritage High School. These projects expanded the number of classrooms across the district and added much-needed space for new students. 

Additionally, the district’s efficient fiscal management of bond projects led to cost savings of more than $24 million. The efficiencies enabled the district to fund additional capital needs,  including security updates, HVAC improvements, and roof replacements.

Trustees also learned that MISD’s bond capacity has increased since spring, due in large part to the recent sale of bonds that saved the district $12 million and the recent increase in Midlothian’s property values. The district’s bond capacity is now just over $411 million.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Karen Rue outlined alternative growth management options the board could consider in place of calling a bond this fall. Among these options is the strategy of efficiently managing district resources by utilizing available classroom space at schools with lower enrollment rates. This approach allows time for trustees to reconvene the Long Range Planning Committee this fall.

“As one of the 32 fastest growing school districts in Texas, the need for additional classroom space to meet the pace of district growth is real,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Karen Rue. “The exploratory options presented tonight in this conceptual plan could provide the Board time to focus on listening, learning, and attending to community needs before calling for an election.” 

The Board of Trustees requested administration to add the item “Growth Management” to a future school board agenda to provide time for further discussion. 

Click to view the agenda item presentation, Next Steps in Planning for a School Bond.