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Gatesville ISD board approves schematic design for $26 million bond projects; architect outlines junior-high additions and new field house
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Summary
Trustees approved a schematic-design packet from Huckabee tied to the district’s $26 million bond, including junior-high classroom additions, ADA restroom upgrades, a field house with separate varsity/JV locker areas and site circulation changes; architects said construction could begin after design development and permitting, with parts possibly opening in 2028.
At a Gatesville ISD board meeting, trustees approved the schematic-design packet provided by Huckabee that lays out projects funded by the district’s proposed $26 million bond.
The presentation, led by the Huckabee representative (speaker 13), described schematic designs for a junior-high addition that would add classrooms, restrooms upgraded to be 100% ADA compliant, a secure vestibule and a new fine-arts wing with choir and band rooms. The packet also included plans for a new field house with separate varsity, JV and freshman locker areas, coaches’ offices, multipurpose rooms and controlled circulation to reduce hazing risk. The presentation noted turf replacement on baseball and softball fields, targeted roofing work at the intermediate school and drainage improvements near the junior high.
"This booklet walks you through the process," the Huckabee representative said during the presentation, summarizing narrative assumptions, space programming and phased design steps. The consultant said the schematic documents will feed into a design-development phase, then construction documents and permitting before bidding and construction.
Board members pressed for clarity on ballot language and tax impacts. One board member summarized the district’s position: the district intends to keep the tax rate steady, but if property appraisals rise in the future homeowners could see higher bills because the tax rate would be applied to a larger appraised value. The presenter confirmed the work described fits the district’s $26,000,000 budget and that the total includes construction costs, professional fees, furniture, fixtures and equipment.
Trustees discussed schedule and phasing; the architect said the field house could be completed sooner than the full junior-high construction and that, with careful procurement of long-lead items, some components could be expedited. The consultant estimated an opening in 2028 for the larger junior-high work unless specific items can be advanced.
The board voted to approve the schematic-design packet so the district can proceed into design development and prepare construction documents and permits. The board then moved to executive session.
The Huckabee packet and the board’s approval advance the district’s plans should the bond measure receive voter approval; the board’s next procedural steps include finalizing design-development documents and coordinating permitting and bidding timelines.
