CISD's 2009 Bond Program Wraps Up with Noticeable Improvements

As families and students enjoy some time off this summer, Carroll ISD is working on facility improvements districtwide to bring in the new 2013-2014 school year. The Carroll Board of Trustees approved the formation of the Bond Advisory Committee, a group of citizens that oversee construction projects from the approved 2009 Bond Program, which was estimated to last approximately four years. The $138 million bond approved by voters in the district was the largest in Carroll ISD history. The completion date for the bond program is set for August 1.

At Carroll Senior High, upperclassmen will notice several changes to the campus when school begins in the fall. At the front entry, the main entrance and office is being reconfigured to enhance safety for all Dragons at the campus. Located in the “100” hallway inside Carroll Senior High’s first floor, educators will notice an expanded lecture room to utilize in the upcoming school year. Science labs are currently being reconfigured to provide a layout that functions properly as a lab and classroom. Also, students will see new storefront doors by the Student Activities Center (SAC).

Inside the Performance Course/Charlie Stalcup Indoor Workout Center, coaches and athletes will enjoy an updated facility including new interior walls and turf, updates to lighting and a sealed roof. The Cross-Country interval track installation will also be completed this summer which will greatly reduce the likelihood of injuries to the runners due to the level surface. On the tennis courts at CSHS, shade structures will be added as well as a resurfacing of the court. Also, drivers will find it easier to navigate when roads are reconfigured and pavements are replaced between the field house and main building of the campus. Lockers will also be added inside Carroll Senior High’s Aquatics Center. Dragons can expect to see the completion of these final developments by the end of summer.

Improvements from the bond program that have already been set in place include work that has changed the blueprint of Carroll schools dramatically.  Walnut Grove Elementary School, the newest elementary campus opened its doors in the fall of 2011, allowing more space for an overcrowded Durham Intermediate School. WGES features sustainable technology including natural lighting, geothermal wells for heating/cooling and more updates which allow for local tax dollars to be used more efficiently. Carroll Middle School’s new solar-powered campus also opened for the 2011-2012 school year. Due to its energy saving measures, the district is expected to save approximately 70 percent in utility costs. Both secondary campuses, Carroll Senior High and Carroll High School have seen significant updates in the recent years thanks to the bond program. Included in the improvements are new art buildings at both campuses. Also, Carroll Senior High enjoys a new auxiliary gymnasium, additional locker room and coaches’ offices for tennis, cross country, baseball and softball. Additional parking and facility expansions were implemented at the Aquatics Center. At Carroll High School, an academic wing was added to the south side of the campus along with a new wrestling center/field house. Major technology improvements including wiring and infrastructure have also been added but are less visible to the eye. Not to mention, numerous renovations in entrances and offices across the district to enhance safety. Dragon Stadium wasn’t forgotten about either. Its first expansion project which opened to the public in August of 2010 included 1,600 additional seats, expanded parking, restrooms, concessions, an updated turf and a new technology Disaster Recovery Center.