A district construction briefing on Aug. 7 showed progress on projects funded by the 2023 bond and described the security measures the district will use where construction overlaps with the school year.
A staff presenter said crews worked at 19 campuses during the summer classroom phase and installed 36 air-conditioning units at Country Place Elementary and performed HVAC work at Turner High School. "Just in the month of June, we put about $21,000,000 worth of construction in place within those 30 days," the presenter said.
District staff also reported network upgrades: a fiber loop was nearly complete and the program had spiked a 40% increase in fiber placed in the prior month. Administrators said construction spending is tracking to projections.
Board members asked how the district will keep students safe on campuses with active work. Staff described multiple measures: contractors must display badges and pass background checks or be removed from site; construction areas are physically separated from occupied spaces with secure perimeter partitions; designated construction entrances are monitored; and district security will deploy extra staff.
A district security staff member said the district will deploy extra security specialists and "rover" positions, particularly during the first week of school, to ensure visibility and assistance at construction-impacted middle and high schools. For Turner High School specifically, staff said the main campus will have one Carrollton police officer plus two security specialists, the annex will have one Farmers Branch officer and one security specialist, and a roving position will provide additional coverage as needed.
Why it matters: Several campuses will host students while construction continues; parents and staff asked for clarity about supervision and travel between buildings. Administrators said they are coordinating with campus leaders and police partners to reduce risk and maintain instructional continuity.
Next steps: Construction updates will continue via the Bond Oversight Committee and future board reports; staff said public surveys and outreach are ongoing for project prioritization and that they will provide campus-specific security plans when construction schedules coincide with school days.