Willis ISD Bond Projects On Schedule & Budget

**Willis ISD Bond Projects Show Significant Progress, On Track and Budget**

**WILLIS, TX – December 10, 2024** – Willis ISD trustees received an encouraging update at their board meeting on Monday, December 9th, detailing the significant progress being made on the district’s ambitious $220.5 million 2022 bond program. District officials, alongside project partners VLK Architects and construction manager Durotech, confirmed that the vast majority of projects are currently running on schedule and within their allocated budgets, marking a major milestone for the rapidly growing district.

The 2022 bond, overwhelmingly approved by Willis ISD voters in May 2022, was designed to address the district’s rapid enrollment growth and modernize aging infrastructure. With approximately $95 million already invested, the community is beginning to see tangible results of its support.

“We are incredibly proud of the diligent work by our district team and our dedicated partners, VLK Architects and Durotech,” said Dr. Tim Harkrider, Superintendent of Willis ISD. “Seeing these projects come to life is a testament to our community’s commitment to providing top-tier educational facilities for our students. These new and improved spaces are essential for supporting our growing student population and equipping them with the resources they need to succeed.”

**Visible Transformations Across the District**

Perhaps the most visible transformation is the complete rebuild of **C.C. Hardy Elementary School**, located at 500 N. Thomason St. The original structure has been fully demolished, and foundation work for the new, state-of-the-art facility is now well underway. Designed to accommodate 800 students, the $42.5 million elementary school is on track for completion and readiness to welcome students by August 2025.

Another cornerstone project is the new **Career & Technology Education (CTE) Center**, strategically positioned just west of Willis High School at 10000 Hwy. 75. This impressive facility, costing $54.3 million, has seen its steel structure fully erected, with interior work now commencing. It is designed to serve up to 1,000 students initially, with future expansion capabilities to 1,500. Upon its opening in August 2025, the CTE Center will boast 28 classrooms and flexible learning spaces, offering a wide array of programs from culinary arts, cosmetology, and health sciences to welding, robotics, and criminal justice – preparing students for high-demand careers right in their community.

Adjacent to the new CTE Center, the **Agricultural Science Barn** is nearing completion, having cost approximately $4 million. This crucial facility is so close to being finished that it’s already housing animals, with an official completion slated for January 2025, providing a modern home for the district’s robust agricultural programs.

**Planning for Future Growth**

Beyond these major construction efforts, Willis ISD is proactively planning for continued expansion. Site acquisition is complete, and design phases are moving forward for both **Elementary #6** and **Middle School #3**, ensuring the district can accommodate projected enrollment increases in the coming years.

The bond also allocates significant funds to district-wide improvements aimed at enhancing the learning environment and operational efficiency across all campuses. These include crucial HVAC upgrades for improved air quality and energy efficiency, new roofs for enhanced structural integrity, enhanced security camera systems for student and staff safety, a new bus barn for transportation needs, and even improvements to the Wildkat Stadium turf and weight room, supporting the district’s athletic programs.

With nearly half of the total bond funds already spent on these various initiatives, Willis ISD continues to demonstrate its commitment to modernizing and expanding its facilities, ensuring it can effectively meet the educational needs of its rapidly growing community for generations to come.

Residents interested in following the progress of the Willis ISD 2022 bond projects can find more information on the district’s official website at [Insert Willis ISD Bond Project Link Here – if available, otherwise general district site].