Now that ballots have been cast, the district is getting to work to address future district growth, aging buildings, safety and security, athletics, and technology. Here is a quick summary of what passed and where the district intends to begin.
Proposition A Package will:
• Wylie High School expansion and upgrades
• Add 62 classrooms that will increase student capacity by approximately 1,000 students
• New classrooms built to accommodate our Career and Technology Education (CTE) classes
• Expand band hall
• New practice gym
• New agriculture building
• Additional turf field for marching band practice and for all athletic teams utilizing a turf field
• New tennis courts with 12 courts and a tennis building
• Baseball and softball stadium upgrades to include new seating
• New parking spaces for the tennis/baseball/softball complex
OTHER TASKS
• New elementary school
• East Intermediate expansion
• Upgrades to aging buildings across the district
• Safety and security
• New buses
• Technology upgrades across the district
Proposition C Package will:
Allow the district to purchase technology devices at each campus district-wide for students and teachers for classroom use.
T his past election day was a big day for the students, educators and staff of Wylie ISD. More than 4,700 voters participated in approving an historic $240 million bond that will help the district address current challenges and those of the future.
“It is truly wonderful to see all the support of our Wylie ISD community,” said Superintendent Joey Light. “This bond is the largest by far in Wylie history and addresses several issues we’ve been experiencing for years. I want to thank our Growth and Planning Committee, Board of Trustees, and voters.”
Now that the voters passed Proposition A and C, the District is getting to work. Light said they are working with the architects to conduct a competitive bidding process for each project and finalizing a construction schedule, as well as working with financial advisors for the district to establish a schedule for bond funds.
“We are taking stock of things and making a game plan,” said Light. “Construction is the biggest thing…so much has to happen.” Light said access to bond money is a factor and has a bearing on when projects are executed; however, he said the expectation to manage funds effectively remains. “We’ve worked hard to manage funds conservatively, and we will continue to be good stewards for the Wylie ISD community.”
First Up:
Light said despite funds from the bond not being available until January of 2024, the district will begin projects they can do, like ordering technology and buses, and then reimburse those funds as the bond funds become available. Light said the projects below will be the first to roll-out over the upcoming months and into the summer:
• Ground-breaking for new tennis courts the first week of December
• Complete plans on new Ag building
• Search for land to build new elementary school campus
• Upgrades on aging campuses in early summer
• Updates to baseball and softball facilities upgrades completion
• Addition of turf field for band practice
By Kristen Johnson