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Gatesville ISD outlines potential bond priorities; preliminary estimates top $40 million for phased work
Summary
Trustees reviewed preliminary architect estimates for possible bond-funded projects, with phase 1 costs roughly $16 million and a separate field-house estimate of about $12 million; stadium and press-box costs showed large vendor variation.
Gatesville Independent School District trustees heard an update on potential bond projects and high-level cost estimates from an architect consulted by district staff. The district's presenter told the board that early, upper-end figures reflect current market increases and that work would likely be phased rather than completed at once.
The presenter said the district's top priority is removing student movement across Marshall Street by providing dedicated junior-high fine-arts spaces. Rough, preliminary estimates provided by the architect included a new junior-high band hall, choir room and theater at about $10.6 million; removing two portable classroom buildings and constructing four permanent classrooms plus connecting the Mary Bishop gym to the main building at about $2.9 million; and auditorium upgrades (lighting, sound, seating and acoustics) at about $3 million. Those three elements totaled roughly $16 million for a first phase, the presenter said. A separate estimate for a field house was about $12 million.
The presenter reported a wide variance in stadium and press-box pricing: a local vendor had quoted about $1 million for more seating and a press box, while the architect's recent comparable projects suggested closer to $8 million. Staff cautioned those figures are early, that final cost will depend on competitive bids, and that many projects would trigger ADA upgrades and abatement work (asbestos, restroom reconfiguration) that can increase costs substantially.
District debt remains a factor in planning: staff said about $15.5 million is outstanding from prior projects. Trustees discussed public outreach options (nonbinding referendum, town halls, surveys) and phasing to reduce taxpayer sticker shock. A board member suggested the district could "sell" certain phases more easily to the community (for example, athletic improvements) while emphasizing ADA and student-safety projects.
No bond was put before voters at the meeting; board members asked staff to refine estimates, consider ADA compliance and return with community-engagement plans before any formal bond proposition.
