Superintendent Manual told the Germantown Municipal School District Board of Education on Dec. 16 that the long‑running Houston High School master plan has advanced through years of stakeholder meetings and now centers on a constrained, phased program of work tied to recent city budgeting.

"They did include, about $10,000,000 worth of debt services in order to fund improvements at Houston High School," Superintendent Manual said, describing the city's recent tax‑rate adjustment and how some additional revenue was set aside for education projects.

The board and administration stressed that $10 million will cover targeted renovations rather than a full rebuild. Superintendent Manual and trustees listed near‑term priorities intended for that initial allocation: finishing ceiling tile and grid work and LED lighting already underway, upgrading an orchestra room, creating modest visual arts and choir spaces, and expanding cafeteria capacity so scheduling can be improved.

Board members emphasized readiness to move quickly once funds are available. "We're going to proceed with all of our plans developing and designing with the architects and get everything ready to spend that $10,000,000 so that, hopefully, when we get ready to do that, we'll be ready to break ground and proceed," Superintendent Manual said.

Trustees acknowledged limits tied to the city's debt capacity. The superintendent described the city's approach as favoring cash‑flowable projects because larger items — a new varsity gym or full auditorium — would likely require a later funding stream. He estimated the city gains roughly $2–2.5 million in debt capacity each year as existing debt is paid down, which could make a major gym achievable in about seven to eight years.

Trustees also asked for a precise accounting of the district's prior contributions (stadium work, ceiling tile, elevator, intercom) so the board can document the district's investment alongside city support. Superintendent Manual agreed to provide detailed figures as part of communications with the public and stakeholders.

The board said it will proceed with design work, site planning (including turf and track work on the district‑owned back property) and community outreach while pursuing additional funding streams such as private partnerships and other revenue sources. The administration noted that while some site and maintenance projects will be carried out with district funds, the larger renovations depend on the city’s bond timing and future debt capacity.

The work session left no formal votes on the master plan; the board recorded the update and directed staff to return with accounting details and design timelines.