The school district selected Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc. (LAN) of Houston to serve as program manager for the bond program.

Sheldon ISD is considered one of the fastest-growing districts in Texas. A June 2014 demographic study showed that district enrollment was projected to reach 8,300 students by 2015. Exceeding that projection, the district grew by seven 7 percent in 2015 and today educates more than 8,500 students, according to a statement by LAN. By 2023, the projected student enrollment is expected to surpass 11,000. To accommodate this rapid growth, voters approved the 2016 Sheldon ISD bond measure in May with nearly 70 percent of the vote.

The bond package will include funds for a number of projects, including a new high school to replace the existing C.E. King High School, which will be repurposed for other district uses. The district will also build a new elementary school. Renovations will take place throughout existing middle schools and will include extended parent pickup lanes at the Early Childhood Academies (ECAs) as well as extended student loading/unloading canopies at the ECAs.

Athletic and recreational spaces will also receive upgrades. Playgrounds at ECAs and elementary schools will be refurbished, and new athletic facilities will be constructed. The King Middle School field house will also be expanded and existing tennis courts will be resurfaced.

To improve overall sustainability, the district will institute energy-management upgrades, including roof replacements, LED lighting retrofits and HVAC upgrades. District-wide technology improvements are also planned.

LAN, which assisted Sheldon ISD with pre-bond services including the communication campaign for the $285 million bond package, will provide comprehensive program management services with design review, construction procurement and administration, scheduling and budgeting services, among others, according to a statement from the company.

“We are looking forward to working with Sheldon ISD to implement a program that will meet the district’s needs for the next 50 to 75 years,” said JP Grom, AIA, LAN’s vice president and team leader, in a statement. “The program will provide Sheldon’s students the environment and infrastructure needed to succeed in the 21st century.”

Construction and renovation of the schools will be completed in phases with the first project completed by 2019.

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