How did Santo ISD develop the 2023 Bond proposal?

In fall 2021, the Board requested a demographic study and a drone overview of the district footprint. With that information, the district was able to construct a 4-classroom addition to the elementary campus out of local funds to temporarily ease the burden on the rapidly-expanding elementary campus.

The district evaluated needs in the district over the last 18 months and considered numerous approaches to increased student enrollment. A demographic study and bond committee were utilized to provide information and input to the Board. Current SISD enrollment is approximately 560 with 750 projected the year 2027-2028.

Thought was given to splitting the elementary into separate buildings, but was not seen as good for the campus and would force young students to travel too far to facilities such as the cafeteria, gymnasium, etc.

There was consideration given to building a new 9-12 campus and purchasing property. It was determined the cost was prohibitive—possibly in excess of $50 million dollars and many services, buildings, and personnel costs would have to be duplicated. The consideration was seen as too expensive and not an efficient use of money or personnel.

The “Concept” agreed to was reached after working with architects, cost estimators, and much discussion. It involves both new construction and repurposing of existing facilities to meet the needs of a growing district, all on existing school property.

From an efficiency standpoint, the “Concept” reduces the need to duplicate functional facilities and annual costs. The key to the proposal is converting the centrally-located gymnasium into a cafetorium that more than doubles the size of the existing cafeteria that is woefully undersized.