In the fall of 2020 the CISD Facility Advisory Committee (FAC), made up of parent and community representatives, engaged in researching and examining the prospect of a future bond referendum to address existing and new facilities in Cleburne ISD. 

The formation of the FAC stemmed from a unanimous recommendation for new campus grade alignments from the Academic Alignment Advisory Committee (AAAC). The AAAC, a panel of parents, community members, and teachers, presented their recommendation to the CISD Board of Trustees on September 21, following a review of District information and data focused on student learning and social/emotional development in grades 5-8. 

From September 2020 to January 2021 the Facility Advisory Committee conducted facility tours, research, examination, and deliberations based upon new and existing needs of the District, demographic trends, growth in enrollment, and financial capacity. Following a consensus on proposed projects and long-term facilities plan on January 13th, committee representatives presented their no tax-rate increase bond recommendation to the board of trustees on January 19, 2021.

The board of trustees unanimously approved the $90.7 million bond referendum for the May 1 election ballot.

Results from the May 1 CISD 2021 Bond Referendum had voters approving Proposition A, with 1158 votes for and 1100 against. The proposition includes major renovations and additions to Wheat Middle School and minor renovations to Smith Middle School. 

Also approved by voters was Proposition C, to provide instructional technology devices districtwide, which voters approved with a vote of 1182 for; 1070 against.

Proposition B failed, with 1213 no votes exceeding the 1041 votes cast for the proposal, which included the construction of a new Student Activity Center at Cleburne HS, a new tennis center at Wheat MS for use by both the high school and middle school programs and additional parking at CHS. 

APPROVED BY VOTERS MAY, 01 2021

Wheat Middle School Addition & Renovation

$46,478,202

Existing Site Issues

A.D. Wheat Middle School was originally constructed in 1991. In order to serve Grades 7-8 as recommended by the Academic Alignment Advisory Committee, improvements must be made to the existing facility. Current site issues include a small overall site, poor circulation, parent drop off on the wrong side of the school (students are forced to cross traffic), limited parking, and existing field needs.

Proposed Scope of Work

• New Secured Main Entry
• Locker Room Addition
• New Stage
• New Turf at Competition Field
• New Practice Field
• New Visitor Parking
• New Bus Loop

 The campus would also receive upgrades to existing technology infrastructure and safety & security improvements.

APPROVED BY VOTERS MAY, 01 2021

Smith Intermediate School Addition & Renovation

$5,871,648

Existing Site Issues

Lowell Smith Middle School was originally constructed in 2001. In order to consolidate and serve Grades 5-6 as recommended by the Academic Alignment Advisory Committee, improvements must be made to the existing facility. Current site issues include no secure special education play area and lack of an appropriate play area overall

Proposed Scope of Work

• Renovated Cafeteria
• Renovated Serving Line
• Special Education Renovation
• Fine Arts Renovation
• 2nd Floor General Renovations and Restroom Addition
• Add Stage
• General Finishes

 The campus would also receive upgrades to existing technology infrastructure and safety & security improvements.

APPROVED BY VOTERS MAY, 01 2021

Don Smith Performing Arts Center Renovation

$8,524,399

The Don Smith Performing Arts Center was originally constructed in 1981. The interior of the facility was not addressed by the 2016 Bond, which provided a new front facade and lobby. The last renovation to the auditorium was in 2008, over 13 years ago. Numerous accessibility issues exist under current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) code, and there is insufficient house lighting, significant HVAC needs, and theatrical sound and lighting needs. 

APPROVED BY VOTERS MAY, 01 2021

District-Wide Technology Infrastructure Upgrades and Safety & Security Improvements

$6,010,000

Proposed Scope of Work

• Campus Phone System Upgrades
• Video Camera System Upgrades
• Career and Technical Education Labs
• Wireless/Wired Campus Network (Internet Services)
• Network Operations (Internet Services)
• Servers
• Instructional Technology

NOT APPROVED BY VOTERS MAY, 01 2021

Cleburne High School & Wheat Middle School Athletic Improvements + Parking

$22,456,685

Existing Site Issues

The Student Activity Center (SAC) at CHS is one of the most-utilized spaces on campus, serving not only athletics, but fine arts, ROTC (coming 2021-22), and other student program activities. With a growing population, the space has become too small for our needs. In addition, the existing location presents numerous safety concerns, there is an inadequate number of practice fields and parking, and Varsity & JV sports cannot practice at the same time in bad weather due to space.

Proposed Scope of Work

New Student Activity Center, improve student access, and new tennis center at Wheat:

• Remove Existing Student Activity Center
• New Concrete Drive & Parking for Safer Student Access
• New climate-controlled SAC with regulation turf field (100 yds. vs current 50 yds.) LED lighting, and curtain divider to accommodate various programs. 
• Six (6) new concrete tennis courts at Wheat MS, with new fencing, windscreens, and LED lighting. 

APPROVED BY VOTERS MAY, 01 2021

District-Wide Technology Devices

$1,390,000

Proposed Scope of Work

• Campus & Teacher Laptops