GISD LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE REVIEWS FACILITY PLANS, CONSTRUCTION COSTS

A Granbury ISD Long Range Planning Committee heard a presentation on construction costs and reviewed a facility proposal during its fourth meeting on November 8, 2021, in the Granbury High School auditorium.
 
Steve Hulsey, education sector leader with the Corgan architectural firm, presented information on construction costs in the current market, while giving some insight into escalated costs as well as labor and supply issues resulting from the worldwide economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.  Hulsey outlined costs from high school construction projects in the last five years.  He also explained potential project schedules as well as ancillary costs for permits and fees; furniture, fixtures, and equipment; technology; and contingency needs.
 
The committee reviewed and discussed a proposal for a new high school for 3,500 students with career and technical education as well as athletic components.  The plan would lead to the conversion of the existing high school and middle schools into a junior high and elementary campuses.  Renovation of all current elementary schools would also be included.
 
During the discussion period, the group also reviewed proposals for academic initiatives as well as smaller construction projects to support district operations.
 
A fifth meeting is planned for Monday, December 6 for the committee to formalize a resolution with recommendations to the school board.
 
The committee previously heard from Bob Templeton of Templeton Demographics, who has provided enrollment growth analysis to the school district in 2013 and semiannually since 2019, and Josh McLaughlin of BOK Financial Securities, who spoke on a review of the school district’s existing debt portfolio and provided a preliminary bond capacity analysis.
 
The LRPC follows the G2025 strategic plan, which school board trustees adopted in May 2019 to establish goals and objectives for the district.
 
Information regarding the LRPC, including the demographic presentation, is available on the district website at www.granburyisd.org/lrpc.