Sheldon ISD staff told the board that rising graduating classes are straining the capacity of the district stadium. Presenters estimated about 962 graduates for the coming ceremony and projected roughly 9,620 visitors if the district limited tickets to 10 per graduate.

To accommodate growth, staff proposed renting NRG Stadium for June 1, 2025, with an on-field seating plan expected to place about 1,300 seats on the floor and additional capacity in lower sections; the rental estimate was roughly $90,000 with a total estimate of about $116,000 after shared costs and services. Staff noted parking costs (estimated at about $23 per car) and that the venue offers logistical support—such as staging, security and set-up—that could reduce district labor and some hiring costs.

Board members queried ticket allocations, equity implications for families who would pay parking, and mandatory bussing for students; staff said districts that use NRG commonly require students to ride district buses to avoid traffic issues and cited examples of other nearby districts already using the venue. Trustees discussed date constraints (NRG’s available dates fill quickly) and that the venue required tight timelines once a contract is offered.

No contract was approved in open session; staff said they would return with a formal proposal and contract terms and urged trustees to share concerns quickly because other districts compete for dates during graduation season.