Tomball ISD Chief Financial Officer Zach Bowles updated trustees on Aug. 11 on project progress from the 2021 bond package and on the district's first debt sale under the 2025 authorization.

Completed and in‑progress 2021 bond highlights
- West Complex: The West Complex site development and the two new campuses (West Elementary and West Intermediate) are open and ready for students; Tomball West High School remains under construction for an August 2026 opening. Site work includes new roads (Destination Drive, Cypress Heights), detention structure and utility infrastructure.
- Tomball Innovation Center (TIC): The district renovated existing buildings to house Tomball Star Academy, new CTE spaces, the agricultural center and warehouse/district offices following the 2021 purchase of the former BJ Services property. Some remodel and maintenance relocations remain in progress.
- Tomball High School: Cafeteria serving‑line replacements, conversion of an ag show barn to additional CTE space, cooling‑tower and chiller renovations, roof work and other campus upgrades were presented as completed or underway.
- Creekside Park Jr. High: An expansion to add fifth‑grade capacity was shown in early construction phases with steel and slab work completed; project completion targeted for Aug. 2026.

Bond 2025 sale and financing details
Bowles reported the district issued $200 million in bond proceeds in July 2025, and captured a premium of approximately $7 million so the principal to be repaid is roughly $193 million. The sale produced a true interest rate of about 4.47% after cost factors, and average maturity was structured at 14.36 years (district policy under 15 years). Bowles said investor demand was strong and that roughly 80% of the issuance was subscribed within the first 30 minutes of the market order period.

Procurements and next steps
Bowles and staff reviewed multiple construction and procurement items on the regular meeting agenda (increases to RFQ contracts, equipment purchases, selection of construction managers, HVAC projects, site sidewalks, and bus purchases). He noted some bid increases and change orders tied to added security and site requirements, for example the Early Excellence Academy sidewalk work that included railings and erosion/head‑wall work to meet permitting requirements.

Discussion vs. decisions
The workshop reported progress and financing outcomes; the board did not take bond‑related votes during the workshop. Multiple project contracts and purchase approvals were on the next day's consent or considered agenda.

Ending note
Bowles said the district will continue to stage construction to open Tomball West High School in August 2026 and will return to the board with recommended contracts and additional project details as the procurement schedule advances.