Lewisville ISD school board to consider several 2023 bond projects at next meeting

The Lewisville ISD Board of Trustees will consider approval of building superintendents, updates to playgrounds and shade structures, bleacher replacements and other projects for several elementary schools on May 13.

District officials and board members discussed the projects, which are part of the 2023 bond package, during a May 6 board workshop. Voters partially approved the $1.23 billion bond in November, which included maintenance, repair and renovation projects at several LISD campuses and facilities. depending on the bond details.

The first series of projects was defined and approved by the board of directors in December.

The details

Work on most of the projects discussed at the workshop is expected to begin this summer, Construction Executive Director Randy Fite said. LISD must still approve construction managers for projects planned for summer 2025, and officials will present formal recommendations at the May 13 meeting.

This summer’s work includes replacing six playgrounds with improved, accessible playgrounds, Fite said. Schools expected to receive replacements include:

• Forest Vista Elementary School
• Lakeland Elementary School
• McAuliffe Elementary School
• Morningside Primary School
• Poiser Elementary School
• Southridge Elementary School

“It’s important to note that all of our playgrounds in LISD are accessible,” Fite said. “Really what we’re looking for is an improved accessibility style, meaning they have a few components that are next level.”

Playgrounds will replace wood chip bedding with synthetic turf, which reduces the risk of chipping, choking and cuts, and does not leave mud or residue on clothing. The designs add improved accessibility stations that students in wheelchairs can use without assistance, Fite said.

More details

Along with the replacement of playgrounds, 15 campuses will receive new shade structures on their playgrounds. Some of these campuses will receive structures in their preschool playgrounds, others in the main playground and others will have them installed in both as needed, Fite said.

Crews can finish most of the work by the end of the summer, but district officials anticipate some of the shade structure projects will carry over into the 2024-25 school year, Fite said.

Also note

The district plans to replace the indoor bleachers at Arbor Creek Middle School starting in late summer or early fall, he said. Officials are also closing in on a final price for the replacement of flooring and backing which is expected to begin this summer. Furniture refers to built-in cabinets, drawers, cupboards and other similar items.

Go forward

District officials will provide the board with bid evaluations and recommendations for projects before the next meeting where it will consider their approval, Fite said.