A boost in school enrollment at Temple ISD prompts school leaders to plan ahead. In a unanimous vote, the purchase of land for a new school was approved.
The proposal stems from a demographics study showing a boost in population in the southeast corner of the city.
Developers are rolling out plans to build in the area in the coming years. Analysts say that more than 950 additional students are expected to enroll in this time.
“Over the next 10 years there are either, a total of 3,000 active or future developments,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, Temple ISD Superintendent.
With property growth, school administrators say this was an ideal time to purchase land for schools.
“The price is very reasonable. We’re ahead of development. We had a demographic study was done that actually showed us ideal locations,” said Ott.
Solid educational infrastructure is an asset when welcoming new families and boosting the economy. Adrian Cannady, President of the Temple Economic Development Corporation, says fitting the needs of the growing student body have a direct impact on driving business endeavors.
“As we look to bring in new jobs, new families into the community, a place where they can start of the art facilities in Temple ISD is very important to our prosperity moving forward,” said Cannady.
The project is still in its infancy. The district plans on building an elementary campus in the next three years, another elementary school in the next six years and finally a middle school in about seven or eight years.
This is the first time in more than 20 years that Temple ISD has broke ground on a new school.
“This decision sends a clear message that we will be positioned to handle our projected growth and be ready to welcome our future families to new schools and master-planned, high-quality residential developments,” said Ott.
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