New KISD Stadium - 2014 Bond Package (Katy: to buy, school district, tax)

[norman94477]

I was doing some reading on the proposed 2014 bond package for Katy ISD when I came across some information that I hadn't previously known - the school district purchased the land next to the existing stadium (where they want to build the new one) just 3 years ago!

Fact or Fiction

Probably my own fault for not knowing but I had been under the impression, even during last year's big stadium referendum, that the district had owned that land for years and that's why it made the most financial sense to build right next to the existing stadium. Looks to me like they purchased that land with the intention of putting the stadium there all along.

So this leads me to google this topic further, and I discover that originally the district owned land next to Tompkins High School which was going to be the site of the stadium. Then that land was sold and the plots adjacent to the existing stadium were picked up in 2011.

This had left a VERY sour taste in my mouth regarding this stadium proposal. It didn't make sense to me to have it up in North Katy anyway, since it was only needed in order to accommodate all of the new schools on the south side of the district. But I gave them the benefit of the doubt that there were good financial drivers for the plan. Now I seriously doubt I will support the bond this year (which is unfortunate since the new schools are needed), but the district appears to want to shove this awful stadium location down our throats and apparently didn't get the message last year.

Folks, am I missing something here? How do you feel about this "new" stadium proposal?

[Kiovo]

I am perfectly fine with it.

Land in north Katy is cheaper. You want them to sell the land they already own to buy new land in south Katy that will cost a lot more just so there can be a stadium in south Katy? It is unfortunate that you will not be supporting this bond over the location of the stadium. Never mind all the new schools that will be built or upgraded.

[descovy]

We've been building in Southside, but now the new growth is going to be to the north. This leaves the current location in a centralized point in the district. Growth won't always be about the south side.

I personally do not have strong feelings over where the stadium should be. I know that matters to some people, but I have no strong feelings one way or another.

But I do feel we need a 2nd stadium. We are slated to build HS #8 on the north side soon. That is too many schools to juggle 1 stadium IMO. And I feel we need the schools, both new schools and improvements to old.

I voted against the last bond because it was all stadium. This time the stadium only holds 7% of the bond. This bond is more inclusive of all needs, and I will be voting yes. The idea that the stadium (which is only 7%) could have been built elsewhere is not compelling enough for me to vote against the bond.

I know for others the stadium is very important. For me, I'm interested in the other 93%

[Trae713]

^^Exactly. In fact, the southern portions of Katy ISD are close to build out and now you have communities like Cross Creek Ranch that will be split between two different school district. If anything, putting it near Tompkins would put it out of the way for most of the district in ten years. Next to Rhodes, and in the actual City of Katy is a much, much better idea. Have it centrally located and pump tax dollars into the city.

[DSL_PWR]

Pass it and build it already.

[usc619]

Although I served on this committee, I'm still on the fence. I agree with every thing Descovy posted, but something still just don't seem right with it.

[TexasCatherine]

Originally Posted by usc619

Although I served on this committee, I'm still on the fence. I agree with every thing Descovy posted, but something still just don't seem right with it.

Well, this certainly piqued my interest... any chance you can elaborate a bit, usc619?

[hbcu]

only one school draws for a stadium with that price tag

[1girln3boya]

Visit KATY ISD 2014 BOND | HOME to get more information.

[Dopo]

In my book...
"Huge H.S. football stadium" = Scam