Planning & Construction
- Current Bids
- Bond 2024 (May)
- Bond 2022
- Bond 2020
- Bond 2015
- Staff
- Long-Range Planning
- Attendance Boundary Process
Current Bids
Bond 2024 (May)
2024 Bond
Project Updates
WHS Ninth-Grade Center
Transportation Center
WHS Parking Improvements
Engineer:
Spear Point Engineering - Contract
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More to Explore
- Background Information
- PASA Demographic Study
- Long-Range Planning Committee
- In the News
- Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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
In the News
- Willis ISD forms Long-Range Planning Committee to study future facility needs
- Willis ISD board calls for $218.1 million school bond election in May
- New stadium, high school expansion part of Willis ISD's $218M May bond proposal
- Willis ISD board votes to place $218.1M bond package on May 2024 ballot
- Willis ISD Looking at $218 Million Bond Proposal for May
Frequently Asked Questions
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
Bond 2022
Project Updates
Middle School #3
- Architect: VLK - Contract
- Location: 7373 Longmire Rd., Conroe, TX 77304
- Contractor: Durotech - GMP Contract (PDF)
- Timeline: Site planning Dec. 2023; Construction to begin early 2024
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)
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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.”
Bond Election 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
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)
Bond 2020
Projects
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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
- Voters Pass $100M Willis ISD Bond
- WISD Superintendent Gives Video Update on $100M Bond
- Willis School Board Sets New $100.15M Bond Election for November
- $175M Willis ISD bond includes new stadium, pre-k center; Conroe Courier, Feb. 11, 2020
- Willis ISD approves $175 million bond...Community Impact News, Feb. 11, 2020
Projects
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
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
Bond 2015
2015 Bond
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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
- Agricultural Science Center
- Career & Technical Education Center
- Performing Arts Center
- Elementary #6 (Lagway)
- Other Projects
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.
Career & Technical Education Center
Performing Arts Center
Elementary #6 (Lagway)
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.
Staff
Phone: 936-333-2189
Email: reaton@willisisd.org
Robert (Bob) Eaton, Chief of Construction and Operations leads the Planning & Construction Department. With more than 40 years of experience in building and construction management, he oversees all the district's construction projects and bonds.
Long-Range Planning
Long-Range Planning
Willis ISD is committed to educating the students of today and tomorrow. To ensure that facilities and staffing can meet the needs of the growing community, Willis ISD contracts with Population and Survey Analysts (PASA). PASA is a demographic consulting firm that partners with Texas school districts in planning for long-range utilization of schools by projecting future student enrollment. This involves projecting new residential development, understanding potential land uses for undeveloped parcels and relating these findings to future students in schools. PASA also projects enrollment growth to help outline a step-by-step plan for when and where new schools could be needed in the future.