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As the Houston Independent School District (HISD) marks its centennial, it also recognizes district changes and the structural, safety, and capacity issues of its campuses.
The district has proposed a bond designed to:
- Meet the mandates of HB3 to secure schools and classrooms, improve air and water quality, and expand campuses to reduce overcrowding.
- Invest in school facilities and student technology.
- Invest in early childhood education and Career and Technical Education.
Due to the regional economy and financial controls within the District, funds can be borrowed at lower rates. This will allow the district to address the structural, safety, and capacity issues across the district without raising taxes on HISD residents.
HISD is considering a comprehensive plan that encompasses the following projects:
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1. Safety and Security Upgrades
In 2023, the Texas Legislature enacted House Bill 3, mandating safety improvements for school districts across the state. HISD has conducted a safety audit and identified areas for enhancing campus safety and security measures:
- Enhance security infrastructure and technology at every campus.
Additionally, many older HISD buildings were constructed before lead standards were enacted or updated. The District plans the following action:
- Identify and address campuses with lead levels that require attention and do remediation.
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2. HVAC Updates
HISD plans to update campus air conditioning and heating systems to provide clean and cool air in hot weather and warm air in cold weather.
Investments are planned for every campus. Bond funds will be used to:
- Update HVAC systems to regulate temperatures in hot and cold weather.
- Conduct tests to ensure school environments meet current environmental standards.
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3. CTE Centers
HISD will upgrade the Barbara Jordan Career Center in the North Division, enhance CTE offerings at every high school, and construct three new Career Centers for the West, Central, and South divisions.
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4. Pre-K Centers
Bond funds will be used to increase Pre-K capacity in neighborhoods with projected population growth and add seats in all four District Divisions.
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5. Technology Upgrades
Many of HISD’s technology systems and assets are reaching or have passed their expected use dates. The District plans to address technology security requirements, expand student technology access, and improve campus broadband services at schools.
- Secure student data through technology security updates
- Expand broadband access
- Provide upgraded technology tools/systems
HISD plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure staff and students have access to the latest secure tools for instruction and learning.
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6. Campus Renovations/Rebuilds/Expansions
As HISD celebrates its centennial, some facilities do not meet current or future standards. Bringing every facility up to standard is beyond the scope of a single bond. Even with the necessary funds, the volume of work would exceed current regional workforce capacity.
The District will prioritize schools with the most urgent structural issues or concerns and the highest levels of utilization, focusing primarily on elementary and middle schools. Bond funds will be used to:
- Modernize facilities to meet the required standards
- Improve building quality based on current educational practices
- Enhance energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainability
