By Michael V. Hannigan
Cross Roads ISD voters approved a $4.5 million bond on a 198-147 vote.
Plans call for about $500,000 of the proposed bond to be used for repairs and improvements to existing facilities and the rest to build a 29,000 square-foot gym which will double as a student event center.
“It is exciting that the voters recognized and supported a true need of the district,” said CRISD School Board President Scott Huddleston. “This was the best opportunity for the taxpayers to get the best value for their money.”
Supporters of the bond say the school district had outgrown the existing 35-year-old gym.
The district has an enrollment of about 600 students with nearly 100 additional faculty and staff, according to administrators. The current gym can hold 512 in the bleachers. The new facility would be able to hold 700 in the stands and another 400 on the floor.
“This will enable the district to move to a higher level,” said Huddleston. “We will now move forward with the commitment of the administration and the board to be a premier district. Our goal is for our students to be successful and be leaders and winners.”
Huddleston reflected on the 30-year journey from when the high school was originally built to now.
“We want to thank all of those who voted,” he said.