Interstate 35 board approves facilities master plan and stadium project for bond proposal

The Interstate 35 Comm School District board voted to advance the facilities committee’s master plan unchanged and authorized staff to work with attorneys to prepare bond language. The plan—to be returned to voters—includes kitchen and gym air conditioning, maintenance repairs, classroom reconfigurations, a renovated pre‑K/daycare area, completion of the loop road and a reconfigured west drive to separate traffic from student drop‑off zones.

A major component is a new stadium package: lighting, scoreboard, bleachers, press box, fencing, synthetic turf and an eight‑lane track, plus additional restrooms and expanded parking on the stadium’s south side. The facilities committee estimated total costs at approximately $12.3 million.

Committee members reported broad participation in two facilities meetings and that after exploring alternatives the committee concluded the current plan remained the preferred option; members emphasized improving community outreach and messaging rather than altering the plan. The board approved the master plan and directed staff to begin drafting documentation for legal and voter processes.

During the same meeting the board separately approved related field and athletic operations purchases that tie into stadium and turf planning: a three‑year leased automated turf maintenance system (funded from activity/donation accounts), turf and field maintenance equipment procurements, and related site work items. Staff said the turf system is fully warranted, reduces seasonal labor and can be funded without using the district’s general fund.

Next steps: district staff will coordinate with architects and bond counsel to prepare ballot language and outreach materials for the master plan and stadium package.