San Angelo ISD board approves bond order, sets parameters to begin $397 million project slate

The San Angelo Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to adopt an order authorizing the issuance and sale of up to $397,000,000 in unlimited tax school building bonds and approved the district's preliminary project list and recommended construction delivery methods.

The board approved parameters that set a maximum true interest cost of 5.75% and a final maturity no later than February 2055, and delegated final pricing authority to district officers so staff can pursue negotiated pricing in mid‑July. Administration and its financial advisor told trustees the district aims to sell bonds before Sept. 1 to capture a state “hold‑harmless” provision tied to the homestead exemption change; officials estimated that timing could yield roughly $80 million in savings over the life of the bonds compared with a later sale.

Park Hill Architects presented the project packages and proposed delivery methods. The bond program as presented totals about $397 million and includes named packages such as a safety and security package ($8,000,000), a capital renewal package ($35,000,000) and a $122,000,000 recommended construction‑manager‑at‑risk project for the New Glenn Middle School. Other listed projects include Crockett Elementary additions, McGill and Fannin second‑phase work, Lakeview additions and CTE spaces, Central High School additions and athletic improvements, plus demolition and other site work. Park Hill also recommended a mix of competitive sealed proposals, construction manager at risk (CMAR), design‑build and job order contracting depending on project size and scope.

Administration and Park Hill emphasized phasing and scheduling to spread bid activity and increase subcontractor participation. During discussion trustees asked what would happen if a competitive sealed proposal yielded only one bid; district facilities staff responded that the district would not be required to accept a single bid and could re‑advertise. "We would definitely have that option," a district facilities staff member said.

The board also approved renewing Park Hill's qualifications and authorized the superintendent or designee to finalize a contract for architectural and engineering services for the bond projects; that contract is expected to be presented for formal execution in July. Trustees voted to adopt the bond order and approve the recommended project list and delivery methods by recorded voice vote; the motion passed 5–0.

Next steps outlined in the presentation included design kickoff with campus stakeholders, finalizing procurement schedules, and a negotiated sale window planned for mid‑July so the district can make the first debt service payment in August and meet the state timing for the hold‑harmless calculation. Administration said it would return to the board with negotiated contracts, final interest rates, and any adjustments to the project budgets as designs and bids are refined.

The board packet contains the detailed package schedules and budget rollups; administration said the project list totals approximately $397,000,000 and will be refined during design and procurement.