CSISD reports progress on bond construction; middle-school turf damaged by public access

Mr. Simak, a district staff member presenting the construction update, told the College Station Independent School District board that multiple bond-funded projects are active and generally on schedule, but he warned trustees that newly opened middle-school athletic facilities have suffered “a lot of damage” from public access since they were opened two weeks earlier.

The update covered completed work at the three middle schools — new turf, tracks, fencing, LED lighting, restroom and concession upgrades and expanded bleachers — and larger projects across the district including consolidation/vertical work at the consolidated campus, College Station High School additions, the CTE Phase 2 facility, Rock Prairie Elementary renovations, multiple roof projects and new playground fall zones.

Why it matters: trustees approved the 2023 and 2024 bond packages to upgrade instructional and athletic facilities. District staff said the upgrades materially improve student safety, capacity and program space but that the improvement cost and warranty status can be endangered by unauthorized use and vandalism.

Damage, security and possible closures

“We are already experiencing a lot of damage from these facilities being left open for the general public’s use,” Mr. Simak said, describing incidents captured on video and photos: dirt bikes riding on…