LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Slaton ISD is moving ahead with major changes after voters approved a multimillion dollar bond over the weekend.
The newly approved $51 million bond passed under Prop A sets the district up for major changes focused on elementary campuses, Slaton ISD Superintendent Shelli Conkin said.
“I’m really proud of our community and I thank them so much for coming out and supporting this bond,” Conkin said.
One of the first projects is demolishing Stephen F. Austin Elementary to make room for a new campus.
A new elementary school will be built on 63 acres near Slaton High School. The building will create more space and advanced opportunities for students.
“We’re hoping it just shows them that they’re loved and we’re proud of them and we want what’s best for them and we hope they just take this and continue to grow,” Conkin said.
Conkin said planning started with a simple question: where is the need the greatest. But the district wanted to keep costs in mind.
“When budgets are tight and you want to be frugal with taxpayer money and but still give our kids the best that we can give them,” Conkin said.
The district said the bond does not only mean new construction. It also changes how existing buildings will be used.
“CTE is our current elementary and we have plans just to kind of refurbish it into our alternative education program,” Conkin said.
The bond also pays for safety and security upgrades across the district.
“Safety and security is another issue with it. We’re going to update some fencing and do some things around, to ensure our kids’ safety and keep them safe. So Prop A was a big one,” Conkin said.
The softball and baseball fields will also get an upgrade with new bleachers.
The demolition process will begin after the bond’s 90-day approval period, but it could be as long as three to five years before the new elementary campus will open to students.
“Now it’s the hurry up and wait part. We are excited for the hard work and can’t wait,” Conkin said.
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