MISD reallocates $5.9M in bond funds to build new Encore Academy for special‑education transition program
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Summary
Trustees approved reallocating $5.9 million from the Midland Lee Freshman project to build a new Encore Academy (18–22 program), selected Park Hill for package 13 architecture, and approved construction rankings for other bond packages; the board emphasized faster timeline and long‑term operational savings versus renovating older buildings.
The Midland ISD Board of Trustees on March 24 approved a reallocation of $5.9 million from the bond allocation for Midland Lee Freshman High School to fund a new Encore Academy facility designed for 18–22 year-old students in transition programs.
Administration and architects described the new-construction plan as a purpose-built facility that doubles the program’s capacity and provides vocational, life-skills, culinary and outdoor spaces tailored to the population. Staff said renovating the existing Lee Freshman building would cost significantly more (an assessment cited roughly $17 million to address major systems) and would delay opening until 2029; by contrast, the new Encore facility could begin construction in August 2026 and open in August 2027, according to staff.
Trustees approved the reallocation unanimously and then considered related procurement approvals: Vandergriff and Park Hill were discussed as part of the architect pool. The board approved Vandergriff for package 12 (Carver Center and YWLA) unanimously, and approved Park Hill as architect for package 13 (Story Middle School and the new Encore facility) by a 6–1 recorded vote. The board also approved the ranking of respondents for CSP package 8 (elementary renovations) and authorized negotiation of construction contracts; that vote also passed 6–1.
Supporters said a new facility will provide appropriate spaces and lower long-term maintenance costs; trustees and staff noted the district will retain other sites and consider future uses for the Lee Freshman property. Park Hill indicated they would forgo certain program management fees as they have on prior projects, estimating savings to the district.
What happens next: staff will negotiate professional services agreements and construction contracts, finalize design and renderings for community communication, and bring implementation timelines and oversight plans back to the board. The Encore project schedule provided by staff targets student occupancy in August 2027.
