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Lamar CISD trustees weigh nearly $2 billion bond package, approve junior-high design and elementary site purchase
Summary
Trustees discussed a multi-proposition bond plan that would fund new schools, campus replacements and a 1:1 technology goal; the board approved the design option for Junior High No. 8, authorized purchase of an elementary site in “The George,” and approved several deductive change orders discussed in closed session.
The Lamar Consolidated Independent School District board on May 20 discussed a proposed multi-year bond plan that district staff said would fund seven elementary schools, additional secondary-campus capacity, a third high school in the Fulshear area, campus replacements and a districtwide technology refresh.
District staff presented a package they labeled Prop A and Prop B and said the proposals would pay for new elementary and secondary campuses, campus replacements and a device refresh to move toward a 1-to-1 environment for students. Chief Financial Officer Miss Ludwig told trustees her office modeled multiple scenarios and that, under the district’s current plan, the district’s interest-and-sinking tax rate would not exceed $0.48 under the bond-sale schedule staff presented.
Trustees approved a motion to select design Option 2 for Junior High School No. 8, a campus planned adjacent to High School No. 8 on FM 359. The motion to select Option 2 was made by Trustee Ubenak, seconded by Trustee Danziger and passed with an audible vote of “Aye.” Later in the meeting, after a closed-session discussion, trustees voted unanimously to proceed with the purchase of an elementary school site in the neighborhood called “The George” and authorized the superintendent or designee to negotiate and execute the contract.
The board also approved deductive change orders for multiple campuses as discussed in closed session. Trustee Danziger moved to approve the deductive change orders for Lamar Consolidated High School, Lamar Junior High School, Pink Elementary, Smith Elementary and Long Elementary; Secretary Welch seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
At a committee meeting summarized to the board, staff described a multi-year build sequence: openings for several elementary schools beginning in 2027 and onward, additions at existing high schools to add capacity, and a new Fulshear-area high school planned for fall 2029. Staff said relocating or rebuilding Terry High School, George Junior High and Navarro Middle School adjacent to the district CTE center on Spur 10 was an option under study; administrators said they would seek public feedback before the board makes any final relocation decisions.
On technology, staff said Prop B would fund device refresh and expansion to reach a 1-to-1 device plan for grades 3–12 (laptops) and iPads for pre-K–2; district staff told trustees the devices proposition would be sold in bond series with shorter maturities so the repayment term matches device useful life. The district’s financial advisor and attorney were slated to return with final bond language if trustees direct staff to proceed.
Trustees and staff repeatedly said public feedback will be critical: the district plans a Bond Citizen Committee meeting on June 10 to collect community input and will return to the full board with committee recommendations ahead of any August deadline for calling a bond election.
Ending: Trustees did not take a final vote on a full bond package at the May 20 meeting; they approved discrete construction decisions (Junior High No. 8 design, land purchase and several change orders) and directed continued planning and community outreach on the broader bond proposals.
