On Thursday, February 18, 2016, the Sheldon ISD Board of Trustees voted to call a school bond election. The recommended package totals $285 million and will include funds for:
• A new high school
• A new elementary school
• Renovations to current middle schools
• Technology upgrades throughout the district
• Land purchases for new SISD facilities
The proposal will go before voters on May 7.
Sheldon ISD is considered a fast-growth district. According to a June 2014 demographic study, district enrollment was projected to be at nearly 8,300 by 2015. The district exceeded that projection with an enrollment of more than 8,500 by December 2015. This year alone, the district saw a 7% growth rate. At this rate, Sheldon ISD can expect to have a student enrollment of more than 11,000 by 2023.
Based on the recommendation from the Texas Association of School Boards Facility report, and needs relating to the district’s potential growth, there are several other areas that will be addressed such as:
• Parking and parent drop off lanes at Sheldon ECA and Cravens ECA
• Extending the covered walkways at the student drop offs at Sheldon ECA and Cravens ECA
• Energy management projects which will improve building efficiencies and reduce utility cost
• Athletic facility projects to include a new stadium
The last time Sheldon had a major bond election was in 2006. That $98.7 million bond passed and allowed the district to build schools, purchase necessary land, upgrade technology and renovate facilities. In 2000, Sheldon passed a $97 million bond, which allowed the district to prepared for expected growth. In 1998, Sheldon approved a $23.5 million bond that funded the renovation of many facilities.
The district has set up town hall meetings where Superintendent King Davis, along with members of the board, will address any questions or concerns parents and the community might have. The first one is scheduled for Monday, March 28, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at C. E. King High School. More information can be found at sheldonisd.com/bond.