Superintendent to Recommend Revised Bond Plan

On January 12, Klein ISD superintendent Dr. Jim Cain, at the meeting of the Board of Trustees, will recommend the renovation of Klein High School with students and faculty onsite and delay the building of a new high school on Spring Cypress Road. This recommendation follows a year of study by the district after the board in January, 2009 voted to delay six major bond projects because of the impact of the economic recession on district enrollment and finances.  The other delayed projects were the construction of intermediate school #10, elementary schools #27 and #28, and an early childhood/pre-kindergarten center.

After the vote to delay projects, the district hired Population and Survey Analysts (PASA) to conduct a six-month study of the district’s demographics related to projected enrollment for the next ten years. The PASA study revealed enrollment will continue to grow at a slower pace than had been expected in 2007.  Therefore, today’s demographic data is markedly different from what demographers projected in 2007. As a result of the changed demographics, the district will not need a fifth high school until 2019 according to the latest data.  Annual demographic and financial data will be collected and the district will closely monitor the information to detect any significant changes in order to make needed adjustments in projects and timelines.

This fall, the Bond Steering Committee from 2007 was reconvened for three meetings on November 10 and 16, and on December 10. The public was also invited to attend these meetings to provide input to district administration. Additionally, a community meeting was held on November 20, and the public was invited to attend a Board of Trustees Workshop on December 15. At these meetings, community members presented pros and cons of nine scenarios and plans created by the Steering Committee, members of the community, and school administration. Concern about Klein High School and a fifth high school dominated the conversations because of their financial impact and their significance to the community. 

Dr. Cain noted, “We began the bond review process with the premise that we would seek input from the community and analyze the 2009 demographic and financial data. Based on that information, we believe that the recommendations we will make to the board are the best for the entire district.” 

An on-going financial analysis of district finances revealed that the recession has also impacted the district financially with decreased property values and a decrease in projected housing construction. The current financial data shows that the district can only support four high schools within the next several years. 

If the board approves Dr. Cain’s recommendation, during 2010, the district will begin making plans for the renovation of Klein High School. The renovations should begin in the 2010/2011 time frame with a projected completion date in 2014. 

Renovating Klein High School became the recommended plan because it is fiscally responsible with regard to the tax rate. The renovation will eliminate repair costs at Klein High School that would not be recovered by further delays. The plan will also allow the district to build the fifth high school when needed.

The renovation of Klein High School will be a complex undertaking. The scope will be greater than many building additions, remodeling projects or changes in building elevations that have occurred in neighboring school districts or in the Klein ISD. The presence of the district’s football field and limited acreage will contribute to the unique nature of the project. 

In addition to planning for quality construction at cost effective pricing, the school district will focus on safety and security of students, employees, and visitors. Additionally, every effort will be made to complete the project with minimal disruption to the academic process. Parking for students will be limited. Multiple parking options for school days and events in the stadium will be considered. 

Dr. Cain will also recommend that the two elementary schools be constructed to open in the fall of 2011. The intermediate school will be planned to open in the fall of 2016; the early childhood/pre-kindergarten center will be delayed and planned to open no earlier than 2012. Again, any changes in the collection of data will potentially impact these timelines.  

The board will vote on the recommendation at the upcoming January 12 Board of Trustees meeting.