The AISD Board of Trustees tonight accepted recommendations from the Capital Needs Steering Committee for prioritized facility and other identified capital needs through 2019 to support the district's strategic plan.
"The recommendations presented by the Capital Needs Steering Committee include items to move the district toward its strategic plan goal of providing world-class facilities while being fiscally responsible," said Jeff Williams, committee co-chair.
Recommendations include a districtwide career and technical center, an agricultural science facility and renovation of existing CTE space at each high school; a districtwide fine arts center and renovation of existing fine arts space at each high school; two new elementaries; repurposing Roquemore and Corey elementaries for elementary fine arts/dual language academies; a classroom addition at Workman Junior High; relocating Newcomer Center; a multi-purpose activity center at each of the high schools and a districtwide athletic complex with a natatorium and facilities for gymnastics and wrestling; two science labs and a strings room for each elementary; junior high and high school special education alternative curriculum centers; and building condition improvements/additions and life cycle replacements, which include ADA accessibility issues, security entrances at elementary campuses, electrical repairs, heating and air conditioning replacements/upgrades, landscaping, lighting for junior high athletic fields, and junior high tracks. Other recommended capital needs include fine arts instruments, uniforms and equipment; safety, security and technology, which includes security cameras and system upgrades, scheduled hardware replacements, wireless enhancements and additional technology access for students; and transportation - replacing old buses and service vehicles and purchasing additional buses and service vehicles.
Throughout this process, the committee - which was comprised of 38 members including students, parents, teachers and community members - received a great amount of data and feedback ranging from the district's facilities assessment results and enrollment figures and projections, to community dialogue questionnaire and survey responses and input from the staff and Board. The committee's recommendations will be utilized in a long-term facilities master plan in order for the district to provide leading-edge learning experiences and world-class facilities for our students and their surrounding communities.
"The committee's recommendations, which were unanimously supported after five months of study, will provide new educational opportunities and additional access to technology and fine arts for all AISD students and will help the district with its vision to be a premier school district," said Chad Bates, committee co-chair.
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