MFISD big bond projects underway and on the horizon
Work crews are busy making repairs to the roof of Marble Falls Middle School, which has been in need of maintenance for years. The fix is thanks to funding from the Marble Falls Independent School District’s $172.2 million bond package that was approved in May. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
A bundle of major projects funded by the $172.2 million bond package approved by Marble Falls Independent School District voters in May are in the works as the first day of school approaches.
Some projects are already underway, like traffic flow improvements at Highland Lakes Elementary School and roof repairs across several campuses. Others are two or more years out from completion.
“We are in such an exciting time in the district,” MFISD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Gasaway told DailyTrib.com. “I am thrilled to see the projects in action and know how much they are going to impact the quality and condition of our schools.”
Funding from the bond package, split into four propositions, will go toward modernizing the district’s aging facilities, improving security and safety measures, replacing student and staff devices, and upgrading athletic amenities, including building a new multi-purpose indoor sports facility. All four propositions passed by wide margins, with each receiving 66-75 percent approval at the polls.
MFISD’s highest-priority project is improving the traffic loop at Highland Lakes Elementary in Granite Shoals, which, in its previous state, would back up traffic all the way to the RR 1431 intersection, causing safety concerns for students, staff, parents, and commuters and requiring the attention of Granite Shoals police officers during pickups and drop-offs.
District officials had hoped to have the loop done by the first day of class on Aug. 13, but, according to Gasaway, it likely won’t be finished until around two weeks into the new school year.
“We are so excited to see the first project from our bond come to life with the construction of our new drive,” Highland Lakes Elementary Principal Suzie Neuenshwander told DailyTrib.com. “This is a huge step forward for Highland Lakes Elementary, and we are incredibly grateful for the support from our district, our board of trustees, and our community. This improvement will benefit not just our students and families, but the greater Granite Shoals community as well.”
Another project currently underway is roof repairs at Colt Elementary School, Marble Falls Middle School, and Marble Falls High School. General maintenance and infrastructure repairs were a big part of the bond, and the need was apparent when DailyTrib.com visited the middle school in April.
Revisit the motivations behind the big bond package in the April 21 DailyTrib.com story “Inside MFISD’s props A and B: Long lines, no space, no time” and the April 23 story “Inside MFISD’s props C and D: ‘Are we OK being OK?’”
Other projects are in the design phase or further out. Below is a list of projected completion dates for some of the district’s biggest plans:
- All elementary school playgrounds, 2026
- Districtwide digital marquees, 2026
- High school baseball field, 2026
- High school softball field turf replacement, 2026
- Mustang Stadium digital scoreboard, 2026
- High school band hall/gym, 2027
- High school Career Technology Education expansion, 2027
- High school locker rooms in Max Copeland Gym, 2027
- High school multi-purpose indoor sports facility, 2027
- High school performing arts center remodel, 2027
Safety and security upgrades will be made steadily over the next four years, and other projects, like the replacement of turf at Mustang Stadium and the construction of a new wing at any of the three elementary schools in the district, will be done as needed.
“We are blessed to have the community’s support as we have the good work ahead to do,” Superintendent Gasaway said.