The Wylie Independent School District welcomes 300-700 new students annually. Next year, our student enrollment will likely exceed 15,500. In my 6 years as superintendent, Wylie ISD has grown by more than 3000 students. Student enrollment will continue to grow over the next 10 years.
The Wylie ISD Board of Trustees have a goal to “Manage Growth in a way that provides functional equity, financial responsibility, assurance for all student needs.” My job is to make sure that happens effectively and efficiently while keeping you (the taxpayer) informed along the way. To help, Wylie ISD has specific construction and planning standards that guide processes that reflect the values of our conservative community. They include the following:
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Do not raise the tax rate
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Provide functional equity between every campus and program.
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Provide a specific list with cost and time of completion.
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Regularly report on progress/delivery of promised items to the public.
10-YEAR FACILITIES PLAN
Wylie ISD just finalized the first draft of our 10-year strategic construction plan. The plans are divided into short term and long term strategies.
Short Term Plan
The short-term plan includes rezoning and small construction projects planned for the next 3 years.
Rezoning – Do not worry mom, we are not rezoning homes that already exist. These will be future subdivisions. Over the next 3-5 years we have one area in the Whitt Elementary zone to address when future construction occurs. These two sub-divisions are scheduled to begin construction sometime next year behind Target. We will recommend zoning these new homes from Whitt to Groves Elementary. All Intermediate, JH and HS feeder patterns stay the same. Trustees at the August board meeting will consider this zoning recommendation.
Short Term Construction Plan – Between now and 2020, we have several small and medium sized construction projects that serve a few purposes. These include accommodating student growth, safety & security and renovations to existing buildings as a part of regular maintenance. We prioritized by need with a timeline and specific costs. If we have extra money in our budget, we plan for these kinds of one-time projects that are not reoccurring costs. If money comes available, there are plans to update entrances to Akin and Birmingham Elementary schools that will provide cover during inclement weather for student drop off like newer campuses.
Long Term Construction Plans
New Elementary on Brown Street – In 2020, Watkins, Akin, Bush, Cox and Hartman will be full if student enrollment continues to grow. This will require a new elementary on land already owned by Wylie ISD. This will require some rezoning after 2020 as well.
Increase Capacity of Each High School – In 2014, voters allowed Wylie ISD to expand all Intermediate and JH campuses to accommodate more students. By allowing this expansion, it saved taxpayers almost $80,000,000 and provided upgrades to every campus in the process.
In 2026, both high school campus enrollments expect to be 2900 students. Current capacity is 2400 students. Increasing the capacity of each high school, instead of building a 3rd high school, will save the taxpayer tens of millions of dollars of construction costs, not to mention additional millions in operational costs. These changes will increase parking, improve traffic and provide additional support to fine arts, athletics and career and technology education.
Add a Dual Language Wing at Harrison Intermediate – This 10 year plan includes a dual language wing at Harrison Intermediate. This program is popular and continues to grow. This will also provide more space at Draper Intermediate. This addition will include a new cafeteria and classrooms, while accommodating this program.
YOUR INPUT IS VITAL
This 10-year facilities plan will accommodate student growth through the year 2026, address the board goals and meet the standards of not raising the tax rate, while being fiscally responsible and providing functional equity to each campus. Again, this long-term plan is only a draft. Your input is valued. Please let me know if you have any ideas, questions or concerns. This is your school! Here is my email address: david.vinson@wylieisd.net
