Houston Schools is holding a public forum Tuesday night to discuss its proposed $6 million bond issue. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Melba Performing Arts Center in downtown Houston.
The district is seeking to build a new gymnasium on campus and begin connecting facilities to improve security. The bond is the first of two phases the district plans to pursue.
Dr. Allen Moss, superintendent, will present information related to the bond issue and answer question. The bond would not increase taxes.
The school board voted in January to seek a new gymnasium. The first phase would add 1,650 seats with another 500 planned to be added in the future. The construction would include bathrooms, hallways, locker rooms, training rooms and connecting all classes inside Hiett Gymnasium. It would also begin to close the gap to the rear of the middle school building.
Hiett Gymnasium, which was built in 1964, would be renovated to make its main function for extra-curricular events such as choir and band concerts. Acoustic panels would be mounted to the walls and a large portable stage would be constructed. It would also continue to double as a practice facility and possibly be used for additional courts for tournaments. Middle school basketball games would be moved there as well.
It’s the third public forum held by the district – one Dec. 20 as the district considered the measure and another in February after it was approved.Â
The measure requires 4/7 approval. The election is Tuesday. The final renditions of a proposed new gymnasium at Houston Schools.