Fort Bend ISD is putting plans for a new elementary school on hold, despite it being part of a bond measure approved by taxpayers.
After extensive discussions, the school board concluded that while the new school was included in last year’s bond package, they don’t have the financial resources to move forward with it.
The elementary school was planned for the Harvest Green area in Richmond. However, the board now intends to redirect the $47.6 million initially allocated for the project to help reduce the district’s $80 million budget shortfall.
District demographers have also projected that the school would likely be underutilized through the 2033-34 academic year.
Although the board considered building a smaller school or cutting costs, the board president stated that due to the budget deficit, abandoning the new elementary school for now seems to be the only viable option.
“At this point, there’s nothing else to cut. I’m not sure what else there is to cut to get us $80 million down, except for cutting a school,” said Board President Kristin K. Tassin.
The board also decided to revisit the issue next month and may consider presenting a “special purpose bond” to voters to potentially fund the school.
