Lake Dallas ISD construction update: band hall, Career & Tech building timelines and new Encore easement approved

Wes Eversole, Lake Dallas ISD construction project specialist, updated the board April 21 on high school renovation work and a new Career & Tech Building and asked trustees to approve an easement with utility provider Encore to energize a transformer needed for the new and renovated spaces.

Eversole said the construction schedule remained largely unchanged from prior updates. The district expects band‑hall expansion, performance‑hall renovations (back of house/stage) and the high‑school classroom renovation (first floor of a two‑story facility) to be complete in July. Eversole said the plan is to move furniture the last day of school and begin construction work the following Monday (Memorial Day weekend) to meet a target of completing work before teachers return Aug. 4.

Eversole described completed and in-progress work: exterior window walls and new parking, renovation of the former agriculture building into a law classroom, a first‑responders lab and a “bunker room,” farm‑tech space, ag and welding shop, athletic training space (with plumbing and dedicated equipment area) and a robotics lab with glass viewing into engineering classrooms. He showed graphics and renderings for wayfinding and a colorful “graphics package” planned for hallways and the Career & Tech Building.

Eversole said an easement is required so Encore can supply electricity to the transformer that will serve the new facilities. The originally approved easement required a minor realignment because a large tree stood in the way; Eversole explained the revised easement expands the footprint slightly to preserve the tree while still providing utility access. He said energizing the transformer is time‑sensitive because the district needs conditioned space before moving in.

Trustee Mr. Barry asked whether washer/dryer connections were included in the bunker room for cleaning bunker gear; Eversole said the room has water and an ice machine but no washer/dryer was scheduled. A trustee noting industry trends said many modern fire stations install extractor washing machines to remove carcinogens from turnout gear; Eversole said he would follow up with the high school on how gear cleaning is being handled and confirmed a hose‑drying system had been included in design.

When the board considered the easement as an action item later in the meeting, Trustee Ms. Collier moved for approval, Trustee Mr. Baird seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Eversole said Crossland Construction and project partner VOK were keeping the schedule on track and that the district has nine weeks to complete targeted work over the summer; the team planned to prioritize band hall completion early so summer band activities can proceed.