San Angelo ISD Committee Recommends $400 Million for School Safety, Repairs, and New Construction

SAN ANGELO, TX — The San Angelo ISD Facility Advisory Committee (FAC) presented a $400 million bond proposal to the Board of Trustees during its regular meeting on Dec. 16, showing the need for infrastructure upgrades, safety improvements, and modernized learning environments across the district.

The 60-member committee, composed of educators, parents, business owners, and community members, conducted campus tours, reviewed facility needs, and evaluated financial impacts, according to information from the school district.

The committee’s proposal focuses on three primary areas:

• Safety and Security – Upgrading outdated infrastructure to create secure, modern facilities.
• Critical Repairs – Replacing HVAC systems over 20 years old, addressing plumbing and electrical issues, and resolving structural damage such as mold and water leaks.
• Athletic Renovations – Enhancing locker rooms, improving gymnasiums, and replacing worn turf and lighting to ensure safety for students and community use.

Additional projects include a replacement for Glenn Middle School on its current site and district-wide stand-alone safety improvements such as access control systems, cameras, fencing, and updated public address systems.

While the Facility Advisory Committee prioritized safety, critical repairs, and athletic improvements, not all projects initially discussed were included in the final recommendations.

Debbie, a longtime SAISD volunteer and committee member, shared personal observations during campus tours, noting Central High School’s outdated facilities and water accumulation issues.

“Our students deserve better. Our community deserves better,” she said.

Trey, another committee member, spoke about the long-term vision.

“The projects we reviewed are designed to last 75 years, benefiting multiple generations,” he said.

While initial facility needs were estimated at $650 million, the committee prioritized projects to reduce the proposal to $400 million.

Mary, another FAC member, stressed the importance of addressing repairs now to avoid more costly emergencies later.

“Delaying upgrades will only result in higher expenses,” she said. “Strong schools make strong communities, which leads to a strong future when we invest in our schools, we invest in the future workforce, leaders, and innovators of our community. High-quality schools increase the value of our community, attract families, and draw businesses to our area, strengthening the local economy.”

The committee also emphasized the importance of HVAC replacements, noting that outdated systems fail to filter air properly, posing health risks to students and staff. Other proposed improvements include turf replacement, middle school gym renovations, and field upgrades at Lake View High School, adding lighting and bleachers to better serve soccer and sub-varsity events.

Board members commended the committee’s efforts and acknowledged the importance of presenting a clear plan to the community.

“We also need to look at what our district will look like if we don’t do it,” Board President Dr. Taylor Kingman said. “Because this isn’t just looking at what it could be, it’s also looking at what it would be if we don’t do these things.”

The board will review the proposal further and determine the next steps, which may include a bond election at a future date.