Mesquite ISD approves schematic designs for six campus renovation and expansion projects

The Mesquite Independent School District Board of Trustees approved schematic designs on Sept. 16 for multiple bond-funded construction projects across the district, including additions and renovations intended to improve safety, capacity and building systems.

Board members voted to accept schematic designs and advance the projects to preconstruction and bidding phases after presentations by the district’s construction team and WRA Architecture. The projects presented included a 1,000-square-foot administration addition and secure entry at McDonald Middle School; a 4,100-square-foot renovation to create a single-point secure entry at an A.C. middle school; a 9,500-square-foot fieldhouse addition and related renovations at Horn High School; and major systems and life-safety replacements at Beasley, Moss and Gray elementaries. The board also received an update on North Mesquite High School’s design-development adjustments and sequencing.

The schematic packages prioritize single-point secure vestibules with attack-resistant glazing, expanded clinics with private treatment rooms, cafeteria and kitchen improvements, mechanical/electrical/plumbing upgrades, and exterior redesigns to improve visitor wayfinding and daylighting. The Horn High School project adds a new weight room, meeting space and support rooms and converts the former weight room into larger locker rooms and an expanded training room.

WRA principal Graham Bowman and district construction staff presented projected schedules that include recommending construction managers at the October board meeting, issuing bid documents in late 2025 or early 2026, approving guaranteed maximum prices in early 2026 or April 2026, and completing construction on phased schedules (elementary projects targeted for completion by summer 2026; larger campus projects targeted for 2027 completion). The presentations noted the projects remain within amounts approved by the district bond.

Board action followed a question-and-answer period. Trustees used voice votes for each project; the board approved the McDonald Middle School schematic design (motion carried), the A.C. middle school secure-entry schematic (motion by Trustee Hornsby, second by Trustee Collier; motion carried), Horn High School Fieldhouse schematic (motion by Trustee Rose, second by Trustee Bingham; motion carried), and the Beasley, Moss and Gray elementary schematic designs in a single motion (motion by Trustee Collier, second by Trustee Hornsby; motion carried). North Mesquite High School received a design-development update but did not require action.

Why it matters: The approved schematic designs set the scope, layout and security priorities that will guide cost estimates and contractor selection. The projects address safety and capacity gaps identified in the district facilities assessment and are funded from the voter-approved bond program. The board will consider construction manager recommendations and GMP approvals in the coming months.

Discussion versus decision: The board and presenters discussed specific design elements (secure vestibules, clinic configuration, cafeteria operations, façade changes), schedules and cost targets (bond-funded; on target per presenters). Formal decisions taken at the meeting were schematic design approvals for the named projects. North Mesquite received an informational update only.

What’s next: Construction manager recommendations at the October board meeting, bid documents issued per project schedule, and subsequent GMP approvals and construction starts according to the timelines presented.