Bonds

2024 Bond

Proposition A was approved by district voters with a 55.71% passing rate

On May 7, 2022, residents in Willis Independent School District cast their votes in our 2022 bond election, Growing Forward Together. The official results are as follows:

Proposition A (Passed)

55.71% for and 44.29% against (2,350 votes for / 1,868 votes against)

Proposition B (Not Passed)

47.47% for and 52.53% against (1,995 votes for / 2,208 votes against)

Proposition C (Not Passed)

46.03% for and 53.97% against (1,931 votes for / 2,264 votes against)

Proposition D (Not Passed)

47.06% for and 52.94% against (1,969 votes for / 2,215 votes against

Project Updates

RFQ - Design Services for Bond 2024 Prop A

RFQ - Design Services for Bond 2024 Prop A

More to Explore

Background Information

Proposed Bond Projects

Proposition A includes a Willis High School 9th grade expansion with parking lot upgrades, a new transportation center and funds for general infrastructure for a total of $102,700,000. Willis High School currently has 2,600 students enrolled. The school is expected to exceed capacity in 2027-28. The expansion would accommodate 1,200 students and would alleviate overcrowding at the high school. This would also delay the need for a second high school for about ten years, allowing time to build a solid tax base capable of supporting a new campus.

Proposition B is for a new athletic complex & stadium with a community room totaling $68,800,000. The district purchased 62 acres in 2023 for a future stadium at the corner of FM 830 and Hwy 75, across from Willis High School. The stadium would be built to accommodate a growing 6A school district, with 8,500 seats, concessions, large restroom facilities, and a fieldhouse. The community room will provide a place to hold meetings, end-of-year banquets, and other special events. The room will be available to the public for rent.

Proposition C would build an aquatic center adjacent to the proposed stadium for $19,600,000. The facility would include a 50-meter USA-sanctioned swimming-sized pool with an additional dive well. The pool will include two moveable bulkheads to accommodate UIL events. The Dive well will include one 3-meter springboard, two 1-meter springboards, one 3-meter platform and potentially a 5-meter platform. The facility would also include seating for 800 people, a girls’ and boys’ locker room, classrooms, a weight room, and a storage room. For many years, Willis ISD swimmers have been required to drive to Conroe to use the Conroe ISD natatorium. Although the district would like to bus the students, we don’t always have open buses or drivers. This means students are driving at 5 am on a major roadway, about 40 miles roundtrip. The aquatic center will also be available to community members for exercise classes and swim lessons.

Proposition D includes a student activity center housed at Willis High School, totaling $27,000,000. This student activity center would include a media room, classrooms, equipment storage, a set of girls' and boys' locker rooms, additional offices, a weight room, a multipurpose indoor field, baseball and softball batting cage nets, and dedicated Air Force JROTC and wrestling spaces. Nets will be available for golf as well as field access for soccer. The student activity center will be used by 900+ students in various activities. An indoor facility would also alleviate concerns about athletes practicing in harsh outdoor temperatures or elements. UIL rules dictate a limit on the amount of time athletes can be exposed to the harsh weather.

Willis ISD Trustees Call for Bond Package

At the regular school board meeting on Jan. 10, Willis ISD trustees unanimously called for a bond package to be presented on the May 4, 2024 ballot. The bond consists of four propositions totaling $218,100,000 and carries a potential maximum 7.9 cent tax rate increase. The projects in the bond were identified by a long-range facility planning committee comprised of community members, parents, business owners, and employees who have met bimonthly since August 2023.

Download the PowerPoint Presentation

PASA Demographic Study

Long-Range Planning Committee

A Long-Range Planning Committee was convened in August 2023, comprised of parents, teachers, administrators, and other community members who either reside in the school district's boundaries or who have children enrolled in a Willis ISD school. A survey requesting committee membership was originally sent out in June 2023. Applicants were placed on a spreadsheet and an equal number per campus was chosen to attend the meetings.

During meetings, the committee was presented with information from a variety of sources to consider, including:

Results from a demographic update presented January 10, 2024 by College Station-based Population and Survey Analysts (PASA); covering projected new housing starts, population increases, attendance projections, and more.
Information on district needs to sustain growth
Current attendance number
Information on projected tax increases at various bond amounts (presented by Leon Alcala, PLLC, (education focused tax attorney)

After the presentations, the participating committee members broke into small groups to consider the information and hear various viewpoints. They studied district growth, facility and other needs identified by administration or committee members, and related financial considerations.

Consensus was defined by the group to be 2/3 of a vote, or 66.7 percent.

Long Term Planning Committee Meeting Dates

August 29, 2023
September 27, 2023
October 12, 2023
November 1, 2023
November 29, 2023
December 11, 2023
January 8, 2024

PASA Demographics Study - January 2024 (PPT)

PASA Demographics Study - January 2024 (PDF)

In the News

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Long-Range Planning Committee and Board propose a 9th Grade Center at the current high school instead of a new high school?

When will the 2024 bond projects be complete?

What is a bond?

How can bond funds be used?

Why did Willis ISD call a bond election now?

How was the bond package developed?

How much is the proposed bond package?

What if I am over 65 years old? What is the tax rate I pay?

Where can I find answers to my questions about the over-65 exemption?

How will Bond 2024 affect my taxes?

Has the district considered inflation?

Why isn't the district asking voters to consider teacher pay raises?

Who is eligible to vote in Willis ISD elections?

Where can I check to see if I am already registered to vote?

What if I'm not yet registered to vote or need to update my address?

Where can I vote in the May 2024 election?

When can I vote in the May 2024 election?

2022 Bond

Proposition A was approved by district voters with a 56.27% passing rate

On May 7, 2022, residents in Willis Independent School District cast their votes in our 2022 bond election, Growing Forward Together. The official results are as follows:

Proposition A (Passed)

56.27% for and 43.73% against (2,173 votes for / 1,689 votes against)

Proposition B (Not Passed)

49% for and 51% against (1,892 votes for / 1,969 votes against)

Proposition C (Not Passed)

49.84% for and 50.16% against (1,922 votes for / 1,934 votes against)

Project Updates

Middle School #3

Elementary School #7

Lynn Lucas Fine Arts Addition

Project Timelines

2022 Bond Projects

Elementary #7 (opening Fall 2025)
Middle School #3 (opening Fall 2025)
Lynn Lucas Middle School
- Fine Arts Addition (opening Fall 2026)
- Baseball + Softball Field Upgrades (opening 2024)
Elementary School Playground Upgrades (completed 2023)
Land Acquisition
- 60.984 acres – 830/75 property – potential stadium site (purchased September 2023)

More to Explore

Background Information

Proposed Bond Projects

The bond is comprised of three propositions totaling $225,000,000. The bond carries a potential $0.05 tax rate increase ($10 per month) if all three propositions are passed by voters.

Proposition A includes elementary school #7, middle school #3, a fine arts addition at Lynn Lucas Middle School, upgrades to the WHS baseball and softball fields, playground equipment upgrades at every elementary school (except newly opened Lagway Elementary) and future land purchases. Proposition A totals $143,045,000 and amounts to a $6 per month increase.

Proposition B is for a new football stadium and community room, to be built at a neutral site, totaling $62,565,000. Prop B would be a $3 per month increase.

Proposition C would add a natatorium (aquatic center) next to the stadium that would provide pool use for student swimmers and divers, as well as community members for exercise and swim lessons. The comprehensive natatorium would cost $19,390,000 and carries a $1 tax increase.

Willis ISD Trustees Call for Bond Package

At the regular school board meeting Wednesday, Feb. 9, Willis ISD trustees unanimously called for a bond package to be presented to voters in May 2022.

“As a board, we are proud to present this bond to our community,” said Cliff Williams, Board President. “We feel it touches all of our students in some form or fashion, immediately and into the future. Our board has made strong decisions over the last ten years that have allowed us to progress to where we are now. Our community and our schools are attracting new families to Willis. We as an educational entity have to be prepared with schools and facilities, as well as the land they sit on, because the growth is coming. The steps we take today to improve our district will shape our community leaders of tomorrow.”

Download the PowerPoint Presentation

Long Term Planning Committee

A Long Term Planning Committee was convened in fall 2021, comprised of parents, teachers, administrators, and community members who either reside in the school district's boundaries or who have children enrolled. We started by contacting people who served on the Bond 2020 campaign. Then, we asked principals to submit 2-3 names of interested parents from their campuses. Then, applicants were placed on a spreadsheet and an equal number per campus was chosen to represent the campus in the meetings.

During meetings, the committee was presented with information from a variety of sources to consider, including:

Results from a demographic update presented in May 2021 by College Station-based Population and Survey Analysts (PASA)
District attendance numbers
A discussion regarding district-wide facility ages, statuses and needs

After presentations, the participating committee members held brainstorming and discussion sessions. They studied district growth, facility and other needs identified by administration or committee members, and related financial considerations.

Long Term Planning Committee Meeting Dates

Oct. 27, 2021
Dec. 1, 2021
Jan. 5, 2022
Jan. 26, 2022
Feb. 9, 2022 (Board Meeting Presentation)

Frequently Asked Questions

In the News

2020 Bond

Approved by district voters with a 54.6% passing rate

Willis Independent School District's 2020 bond focused on three major construction projects and various capital improvements projects, including a new freezer and cooler for the child nutrition departments at CC Hardy Elementary and Lynn Lucas Middle School, a chiller replacement at Brabham Middle School, and a boiler replacement at Willis High School.

With all precincts reporting, the results provided by the Montgomery County elections officials showed the $100.15 million bond package approved with 10,117 votes (54.64 percent) for and 8,399 votes (45.36 percent) against.

News Articles

Projects

Elementary Gymnasium Additions

Lynn Lucas Middle School Addition

Roark Early Education Center

More to Explore

Background Information

Long Term Planning Committee

A Long Term Planning Committee was convened in August 2019, comprised of parents, school board members, teachers, administrators, and other community members who either reside in the school district's boundaries or who have children enrolled. A survey requesting committee membership was posted to the district website and social media August 1-19, 2019. Applicants were placed on a spreadsheet and an equal number per campus was chosen to represent the campus in the meetings.

During meetings, the committee was presented with information from a variety of sources to consider, including:

Results from a demographic update presented in May 2019 by College Station-based Population and Survey Analysts
District attendance numbers
A list of district-wide facility ages, statuses and needs

After presentations, the participating committee members broke into small groups to consider the information and hear various viewpoints. They studied district growth, facility and other needs identified by administration or committee members, and related financial considerations.

Long Term Planning Committee Meeting Dates

Sept. 23, 2019
Oct. 28, 2019
Nov. 19, 2019
Jan. 8, 2020
Jan. 21, 2020
Feb. 3, 2020
Feb. 10, 2020 (Board Meeting Presentation)

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the 2020 bond election be held?

When was the last Willis ISD Bond?

When would the 2020 bond projects be implemented or completed?

What projects are included in the 2020 bond election?

Where will the stadium and natatorium be located?

Who decides what projects to include in the bond?

How will the 2020 bond election impact my taxes?

Who is eligible to vote in the 2020 bond election?

How is it possible to have bonds not raise taxes?

How can I determine if I am registered to vote?

Completed Projects

A.R. Turner

Gym Addition COMPLETED 2022
Restroom Renovations COMPLETED 2023
Interior Renovations and Flooring JULY 2024
Boilers COMPLETED

Cannan

Energy Management System Upgrade COMPLETED 2023
Interior/Exterior Renovations JULY 2024
Gym Addition COMPLETED 2022

C.C. Hardy

ADA Restroom & Plumbing Upgrades COMPLETED 2022
Chiller Replacement COMPLETED 2022
Cooler and Freezer Upgrade COMPLETED 2021
PA System Upgrade COMPLETED 2023
Roof Replacement COMPLETED 2022

Parmley

Chiller Water Conversion and Boilers COMPLETED 2022
Full Roof Replacement COMPLETED 2022
Gym Addition COMPLETED 2022
Interior Renovation COMPLETED 2022
New Fire Alarm System Upgrade COMPLETED 2022
Parmley Central Plant COMPLETED 2023

Meador

Energy Management System Upgrade COMPLETED 2023
Gear Repair (Electrical) COMPLETED 2022
Gym Addition COMPLETED 2022

Lynn Lucas

Classroom, Science Lab Additions COMPLETED 2022
Cooler/ Freezer Upgrade COMPLETED 2021
Energy Management System Upgrade COMPLETED 2022

Brabham

Chiller Replacement COMPLETED 2021

Willis High School

Boiler Replacement COMPLETED 2021
Demand Control Ventilation/ Air Handler
Phase 1 COMPLETED 2023
Roof Replacement COMPLETED 2022

Roark Early Education Center

New Pre-K Center COMPLETED 2021

2015 Bond

Approved by district voters with a 60.8% passing rate

Willis ISD voters in November 2015 approved a $109.5 million bond proposition with a 60.8 percent passing rate and no tax increase. The bond included land acquisition, elementary #6, renovations to Willis High School, new field turf at Yates Stadium, an expansion at Brabham Middle School, driveway improvements at four campuses, a new agricultural science center, a new performing arts center and a new career & technology education center. These projects were completed on time and on budget.

Download the 2015 Bond Election Brochure (PDF)

News Articles

Projects

Career & Technology Education Center

Performing Arts Center

Elementary #6 (Lagway Elementary School)

Lagway Elementary is located in the district's fast-growth southwest corner at the end of Longmire on Pine Valley Road. The school opened in the fall of 2021.

Local News Articles

This project was completed in 2021.

Rezoning Process

On Wednesday, May 12, 2021 the Willis ISD Board of Trustees approved zoning map 3 for population of Lagway Elementary, opening August 2021. The first map in this list is the approved zone (labeled in bottom right hand corner). The subsequent maps are the current zones and then the options that were considered.

Background Information

Lagway Elementary is currently under construction and will open to students in August 2021. The school is located at 11505 Pine Valley Drive, at the corner of Longmire/Pine Valley. The new school will alleviate overcrowding at both Meador and Turner, and is located in the district’s fast growing southwest corner. Currently Meador and Turner Elementary each have approximately 830 students enrolled. The rezoning process will impact students attending both of these schools, plus current Roark Pre-K students moving onto Kindergarten next year. This is necessary in order to populate the new school.

Demographic Study

PASA (Population and Survey Analysts) presented an updated demographic study to the school board at the board meeting April 21. In conjunction with this presentation, the demographers presented two zoning options to district administration, board members and the transportation department. This group made a few revisions to the plan, taking into consideration the elements reported as most important on the parent survey conducted in February 2021. The top most important considerations named were:

On a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being not important at all and 5 being very important, how important is it to you that your school be located close to your home? 66% of 402 responses ranked a 5 (very important).
How important are physical and traffic considerations to you? 60% marked 5 (very important).
How important is it to you that schools have demographic equity? 28% marked a 3 (neutral), 18% marked 4 (fairly important) and 37% marked 5 (very important).

Other information taken into account include the capacity for future growth at each school, the proximity to the neighborhoods with high projected growth, the ability to run buses and not negatively impact school times, and the ability to move students to bilingual program schools (Meador and Cannan).

Option 1 Survey

This survey presented zoning option 1 for feedback from the campuses impacted (Meador, Turner, Roark). Questions:

On a scale of 1-5, with 1 meaning you are not in favor of, and 5 meaning you are very in favor of, how do you feel about the proposed new zone map?
After reviewing the zone maps and FAQ section, please list any other suggestions you have below.

Option 2 Survey

After results from option 1 survey revealed many parents felt that Panorama should stay together as a neighborhood, Option 2 was presented. Questions:

On a scale of 1-5, with 1 meaning you are not in favor of, and 5 meaning you are very in favor of, how do you feel about the proposed Option #2 zone map?
After reviewing the zone maps, please list any other input below.

Revised to Option 3 for recommendation to school board, approved May 12, 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions

When were the new zones selected?

My student is in the bilingual program at Meador Elementary. Does this change if we are in the new school zone?

What grade levels will be impacted by this rezoning process?

Our family specifically purchased our home to be zoned to the current school. Why are you considering rezoning our school?

How many students might possibly be rezoned?

I noticed our school is in the discussion. Does that mean we are going to be impacted by the rezoning?

Who decides which boundary will be selected?

My child receives speech/PT/OT. If we are rezoned will the services be offered at the new school?

Will bus travel time be impacted by the rezoning?

If we are rezoned can we request to stay at our former campus?

Agricultural Science Center

The new agricultural facility located at Willis High School has allowed the program to grow considerably by providing a space for students to house animals on site and have access to animals for further study and treatment. The arena has also been a great addition for practice runs and local shows.

This project was completed in 2018.

Other Projects

Driveway Improvements

Driveway improvements expanded and improved Parent Pickup/Drop-off lanes at Meador, Turner and Cannan Elementary. These improvements provide additional stacking space for cars within the school grounds to alleviate the issue of cars being stacked on major roadways.

This project was completed in 2017.

Brabham Middle School Expansion

Classroom and other additions increased the capacity of the campus by 250 students. Also added were a track and tennis court to eliminate student bussing to Lynn Lucas Middle School.

This project was completed in 2017.

Yates Stadium Renovations (Field Turf)

This project was completed in 2017.

Land Acquisition (85 acres off Longstreet)

This project was completed in 2019.