approval of a $5,830,400 proposal
from Sterling Structures for renovations and additions at the East
Transportation Center
December Board Action
sale of $60 million in bonds from the 2006
authorization
naming of Elementary Schools 30, 31 and 32 and Junior High School 12
attendance zones for Elementary Schools 30 and
31 and Junior High Schools 11 and 12
OTHER NEWS
Katy ISD has won the Environmental Protection
Agency’s Indoor Air Quality Sustainability Award for 2007. This is the
fourth consecutive year that the district has been recognized by the EPA.
In February, the Facilities and Planning
Department will begin needs assessments for existing campuses for the
Long-Range Facilities Plan. The surveys are the first step in updating the
long-range plan in preparation for the next bond election.
Signage for 11 undeveloped district-owned sites
is scheduled for installation before the end of the year. The “Here We Grow
Again!” billboards will indicate what the current utilization plan is for
each site, giving community members and potential residents a glimpse of
future plans for schools and support facilities.
In spite of significant rain delays during a
very soggy summer and fall, all of the projects slated for August 2008
openings are scheduled for completion on schedule.
The 2006 bond authorization will fund capital projects through 2009.
Recent bond rating upgrades from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s put Katy in the
top tier of Texas’ most credit-worthy school districts.
Using bond funds for long-term capital needs allows the district to spread the
cost of capital expenditures over 20-30 years — just as a homeowner finances the
purchase of a house.
The district sells bonds that mature at different times, so bonds for items with
a shorter lifespan (such as computers) are paid off before the purchase becomes
obsolete.
Without bond funds, the district will be required to pay for capital items from
the general fund, which pays for salaries, instructional programs and other
operating costs.
