$313 million bond would support high school rebuild, systemwide upgrades

New Braunfels Independent School District (NBISD) officials are asking voters to approve a $313 million bond measure in May to rebuild its high school, construct a multi-purpose stadium and make districtwide technology upgrades. Early voting runs from April 22 to April 30, with election day May 4.

Proposition A would allocate $267.5 million to support a suite of upgrades and projects, including Phase 2 of replacing New Braunfels High School. The $226.8 million replacement project includes $81.7 million to rebuild the school’s athletic and fine arts offerings. The district would use an additional $54.8 million to rebuild the academic and field house wing.

The project’s scope includes building an auditorium, transforming the current library into a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) space and building facilities for choir, dance, band and art. The district would build main and auxiliary gyms, locker, weight and training rooms. NBISD would also upgrade the softball complex.

An additional $23.8 million would support several major maintenance projects. The district would use $6.9 million to upgrade roofing and $5.9 million to integrate HVAC systems. As part of integrating the HVAC, the district would implement districtwide automation allowing employees to remotely access and control HVAC systems during emergencies. The district would also upgrade sidewalks, parking lots, plumbing and mechanical and electrical systems.

The bond would provide a $4.4 million boost for school safety and security projects. The district would build vestibules, upgrade classroom hardware and software to facilitate lockdowns and buy radios for a districtwide single emergency communication system. NCBISD would also direct $3 million to buy 25 air-conditioned buses, $2.5 million to renovate the Agricultural Science facility and $1.5 million for fine arts and band equipment.

Proposition B would allocate $42.5 million for a pair of stadiums. The district would use a majority of the funding to build a $40 million, 7,000-seat facility for Long Creek High School to support athletics, fine arts and other student activities. Plans call for an eight-lane competition track, concessions, restrooms, storage space and lighting. The measure would also provide $2.5 million to upgrade lighting and the press box, update the video board’s sound system and replace the turf at the New Braunfels High Stadium.

Proposition C would deliver $3.5 million to upgrade technology, including buying computers and iPads for staff and students. The project’s scope also calls for upgrading and replacing network hardware to ensure a secure internet connection.

New Braunfels is located 48 miles southwest of Austin.

^{Strategic Partnerships, Inc.}^{can provide information on contract opportunities, plus existing and future government funding. For more information, contact}^{research@spartnerships.com}^.