New High School, Campus Renovations, and Security Improvements

 

FAIRFIELD ISD’S LONG-RANGE FACILITIES master plan outlines a phased approach (at top). Phase One includes construction of a new high school as proposed in this bond package. In Phase Two, when projected growth from Freestone Club, Calpine Gas, and Solar Projects impact property values, the District will seek voter approval in a future bond to construct a new junior high school on the site of the current high school. (This graphic is a concept only and not an approved design.)

 

Making the rounds to share the details about the upcoming Bond Election is Fairfield ISD Superintendent Joe Craig, who spoke with several organizations last week during their individual meetings.

Our editor caught his presentation on Tuesday during a meeting with the arts council.

“We have a history of high academic excellence,” began Superintendent Craig, as he shared a few bragging points about the school and its students before discussing the need for new facilities.

The current high school was built in 1974. The original classrooms are 640 square feet (the new standard is 800 square feet) and feature only two electrical plugs in each space.

The Ag Science buildings are cramped when compared to schools of comparable size. The superintendent noted that 3 teachers currently work with about 300 students per day.

Although the Band Hall has a good amount of space, its functionality could be improved. Also, there are no restrooms in the actual band hall, and it is located on a separate campus.

CTE program facilities are in need of updates, such as the Health Science and Culinary programs. And, the new Cosmetology program is housed about a quarter mile from the main campus, requiring students to either drive or be bussed to attend classes.

Finally, the stage of the current auditorium is half the size of a competition stage. In fact, when the high school band performs their concerts, not everyone can fit on the stage.

The proposed $105.395 Million Bond would finance the following:

–New High School Campus – 600-student capacity and a new auditorium with 40% increased seating capacity.

–Districtwide Campus Renovations & Improvements – for Elementary, Intermediate, and Junior High campuses (including furniture & equipment).

–Safety & Security Improvements – Construction of a Security Vestibule at the Elementary school, and bringing all High School programs under one roof.

According to Superintendent Craig, this proposed Bond was developed by a 20+ member Advisory Committee who have been meeting since August. Their first order of business was a 4-hour tour of every Fairfield ISD campus.

Their goal was to keep with the taxes the school district already had in place, while making plans to improve current facilities and plan for the future.

Fairfield’s most recent Bond Election was approved in 2022. It was used to replace HVAC equipment and purchase new school buses.

This old Bond will be completely paid off as the new proposed Bond (if approved) begins.

“The pricing put together is for two years down the road,” said Superintendent Craig. Meaning, cost estimates for this project should account for future increases in the cost of construction.

If approved, the $105.395 Million Bond the FISD District’s Interest & Sinking (I&S) Tax Rate is projected to increase by less than one penny, resulting in an estimated cost of 73 cents per month, or $8.76 annually, for the owner of a $205,484 homestead (the average value in FISD).

Note: Under state law, for property owners who have applied for and received the Age 65 Freeze on their homestead, their school taxes CANNOT be raised above their frozen level unless they make significant improvements or additions to their home.

For more information about the estimated tax impact to homeowners, visit online at fairfieldisdbond.com/tax-impact

After answering some questions from the group, Superintendent Craig concluded with a saying about oak trees in relation to planning for the future: “The best time to plant an oak tree is twenty years ago. The next best time is NOW.”

If you would like for Superintendent Joe Craig to give a presentation to your club or organization, give him a call at 903-389-2532.

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Early Voting will be held from April 22-29, 2025. Election Day is Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Ballot will read as follows:

PROPOSITION A

THE ISSUANCE OF $105,395,000 SCHOOL BUILDING BONDS FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, ACQUISITION, REHABILITATION, RENOVATION, EXPANSION, IMPROVEMENT, AND EQUIPMENT OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT (INCLUDING (I) A NEW HIGH SCHOOL, (II) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL AND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS AND (III) DISTRICTWIDE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS) AND THE PURCHASE OF THE NECESSARY SITES FOR SCHOOL BUILDINGS,  AND THE LEVY AND IMPOSITION OF TAXES SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE BONDS AND THE COSTS OF ANY CREDIT AGREEMENTS. THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.