Willis ISD calls $115.4 million bond election in third attempt to get new stadium approved

Willis ISD, after failing twice since 2022 to convince voters to support bonds for a new stadium and aquatic center, will put both issues on the ballot a third time in November as part of a $115.4 million bond package. 

The stadium would replace the nearly 50-year-old Yates Stadium and is part of a proposed $68.8 million athletic complex. The aquatic center is projected to cost $19.6 million. The district also will ask voters again to approve a bond proposition, which failed in May, to build a new $27 million student activity center. 

In May, voters partially approved the district’s $218.1 million bond package, securing funds to expand Willis High School and build a new transportation center. 

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“As we have worked on long-term planning for Willis ISD, we wholeheartedly believe the facilities proposed through this referendum will provide students with the opportunities they need to excel in academics and extracurricular activities,” said Kimberly James, who was named superintendent in April after the former left the district for another.

Former Superintendent Tim Harkrider, who is now serving in a leadership role in College Station ISD, previously highlighted the need for the new facilities after voters approved a only a portion of the district’s 2022 bond package. At that time, the bond for the stadium was priced at $62.6 million and the aquatic center was priced at $19.4 million. 

“We still do not have a natatorium, a place for our swimming and diving team to practice, and that will not change, that is not something we can recreate,” Harkrider told The Courier in May 2022. “Same thing as far as space at Yates Stadium during our football season. Space will be limited.”

What’s in the $115.4 million bond package?

On top of including funds for a stadium and aquatic center, district leaders also hope to build a new student activity center at Willis High, which includes additional classrooms and offices, a set of girls’ and boys’ locker rooms, a weight room, a multipurpose indoor field to alleviate concerns about athletes practicing in harsh temperatures, according to a news release by the district. 

Proposition B includes the new athletic complex and stadium with a community room, which would be built on 62 acres off FM 830 and Texas 75 — across from Willis High. The stadium would be built to accommodate growth, with 8,500 seats, a competition-length track and field, home and visitor press box, concessions and a fieldhouse, the release states. The community room would provide a place to hold meetings, end-of-year banquets and other events. 

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Proposition C is for the aquatic center, which would include a 50-meter swimming pool with an additional dive well. The pool would would include two bulkheads to accommodate UIL events. The facility would also accommodate for 800 people, additional classrooms, locker rooms and a weight room. 

If all propositions are approved, there is a potential tax increase of 1 cent to the interest and sinking rate, which is used to pay off debt for district facilities.

Board hopes presidential election will drive turnout

Last spring, the district received results of a demographic study that projected that it would add more than 10,000 students by 2033 — doubling the current enrollment, which is roughly 9,000. 

“Willis ISD is obviously experiencing significant growth in infrastructure and homes,” board president Kyle Hoegemeyer said in a written statement.

“Along with that growth we see evolving needs in our students, families and staff. The projects proposed in this bond election are a reflection of what our board, administration and long-range planning committee members have identified as needs that focus on improving the overall academic experience for students in Willis ISD.”

Hoegemeyer said the propositions failed in May due to low voter turnout. With a presidential election in November, Hoegemeyer said during a board meeting in August that he expects a much higher turnout than in May. 

District officials did not immediately respond to questions on next steps should the November bond package fail, or if only a portion is approved by voters.

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