Facility Needs Task Force

The Task Force spent many hours meeting together and received and analyzed information from the recently concluded (summer 2024) Facility Condition Assessment (completed by consultant AG|CM), from the architecture firm O’Connell Robertson, and from district staff members who shared the needs of their respective classes, department and programs. The meeting schedule was as follows:

• September 17/18, 2024 - Introductory Meeting
• September 30, 2024 - School Funding System, Defining Consensus
• October 7, 2024 - Facility Site Visits
• October 21, 2024 - AG/CM Facility Condition Assessment Review
• November 11, 2024 - Facility Master Plan / Review of Potential Projects; Construction Cost Overview
• December 2, 2024 - Safety, Security, Technology & Transportation; Project Prioritization & Estimated Project Costs; WISD Bond Capacity
• December 9, 2024 - Review Texas Bond Laws, Financial Advisor - Tax Rate Impacts; Project Consensus Activity
• December 17, 2024 - Finalize Task Force Recommendations

At the January 13, 2025 WISD Board Meeting, Task Force representatives made the following recommendation:

Over the past five months, the Wimberley ISD Facility Needs Task Force has been deeply committed to understanding the challenges and opportunities facing our beloved school district. We have seen firsthand the dedication of our community to providing exceptional education and enriching extracurricular opportunities for every student. But we’ve also seen the strain caused by aging buildings and the pressures of enrollment growth over the past decade.

Our schools are more than just buildings; they are where dreams take root, where students feel safe to learn, grow, and prepare for a bright future. After 20+ hours of extensive analysis, facility tours, and diverse and open discussions, it is clear that we must take action to ensure our facilities reflect the excellence we expect for our children. From upgrading technology to modernize classrooms, to enhancing safety and security for students and staff, to expanding spaces that can accommodate our growing community, these improvements are critical to supporting the success of our students and staff today and for generations to come.

Together with WISD staff, we have carefully prioritized over $200 million in identified facility needs. Through thoughtful discussion and collaboration, we reached consensus on projects that we believe will make a meaningful difference. We are recommending that the Board of Trustees call a bond election in May 2025 to address $135 million of these essential improvements.

What we are providing you today is much more than simply a list of projects—it’s a thoughtful plan for investing in our children, our teachers, and our community’s future. On behalf of the Facility Needs Task Force, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the WISD Board for creating a process that has given our community a voice in shaping this important vision. Together, we can ensure that Wimberley ISD continues to be a place where every student thrives and where Texan pride shines brightly.

At the January 13, 2025 WISD Board Meeting, Task Force representatives made the following presentation:

Facility Needs Task Force Bond Recommendation Presentation (PDF)

Now that the Board of Trustees has received the recommendation from the Facility Needs Task Force, they will pick up the process of thoroughly analyzing the recommendations prior to potentially calling for a Bond Election that would be held on May 3, 2025. The following Board meetings have been scheduled:

• Board Workshop January 29, 2025
• Regular Monthly Meeting February 10, 2025

If the WISD Board moves forward with the adoption of an election order for a Bond Election in May, it must be done by February 14, 2025 as required by Texas law.