Prairiland ISD to use $7.5 million bond to add classrooms at elementary and junior high, a multi-purpose building at elementary

Prairiland ISD anticipates community support on a proposed $7.5 million bond to add classrooms to Blossom Elementary School and its junior high, alongside a multi-purpose building to the elementary school. If passed, the $7.5 million will not impact taxpayers.

Prairiland ISD Superintendent Jeff Ballard said the district has used portable buildings for its junior high school for the past about 15 years, and the bond will move students into a classroom. He added the classrooms at both the junior high and elementary schools have become overcrowded due to the district’s growth.

“Overcrowding at both the junior high and Blossom Elementary have driven the decision to build classrooms,” Ballard said. “Plus students at the junior high have been taking classes in portable building for nearly 15 years.”

Ballard reassured the district’s taxpayers will see no increase in taxes if the $7.5 million bond passes.

“There will be no impact on tax base,” Ballard said. “The increase in values from the solar farms plus our existing tax rate will generate an extra $7.5 million. We are NOT increasing our tax rate to do these projects.”

If the $7.5 million proposition – proposition A – passes on May 1, construction would begin in January 2022 and take about a year to complete, according to Ballard.

The projects the bond will support if passed, include:

• Blossom Elementary School:
  • Academic addition (about 8,140 square feet)
    • Seven classrooms
    • Boys/girls restrooms
    • Staff lounge/staff restrooms
  • Multipurpose building (about 6,500 square feet)
    • Elementary-sized gym
    • Small kitchen
    • Restrooms
    • Small meeting room
• Two options the district is considering for Prairiand Junior High School include:
  • Option 1 (about 10,500 square feet)
    • Eight classrooms
    • Boys/girls restrooms
    • Staff lounge/staff restroom
  • Option 2 (about 12,000 square feet)
    • Eight classrooms
    • Boys/girls restrooms
    • Staff lounge/staff restroom
    • New, secure entry and offices

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