MANSFIELD ISD CONTINUES MAJOR PROJECTS WITH 2024 BOND FUNDS
Mansfield ISD is hard at work turning plans into progress across the district. Multiple major projects are moving steadily forward as the district seeks to bring its plans to life. From enhancing safety and learning spaces to expanding programs and upgrading infrastructure, every detail is being carefully planned and executed. MISD continues to prioritize safe, innovative, and student-centered environments following voter approval of the 2024 Bond package.
NEW BUILDINGS PROGRESS
Following the highly acclaimed success of MISD’ s first Early Learners Academy, MISD looks forward to serving more than 700 additional students when MISD’ s Early Learners Academy 2.0 opens in August of 2026. The addition of this campus will create an opportunity for an immersive experiential learning experience shown to be a game-changer for MISD’ s youngest students.
The middle school projects also include various capital improvements and repairs. Funds from the 2024 Bond package will enable MISD to replace items and equipment approaching the end of or exceeding their life cycles.
Frontier STEM Academy and Ben Barber Innovation Academy provide students with an innovative platform to achieve success through rigorous hands-on learning opportunities and emerging technology.
Designs are complete, and discussions regarding pod themes and furniture are underway with MISD’ s project partners Huckabee Architects and Exhibit Concepts. The district is now navigating the big proposal stage with contractor Core Construction.
MISD is committed to supporting the safety and security of its students and staff. The addition of the new Police and Safety and Security facility designed to house our safety professionals appropriately reflects that commitment. The community can expect substantial construction completion by July of 2026. MISD’ s Bond Projects Team members are reviewing plans and required documents with Chief Greg Minter, Huckabee Architects, and Lee Lewis Construction, the project contractor.
Other safety improvements made possible by the approval of the 2024 Bond package include upgraded security cameras and building access controls. Installation will begin with high schools and middle schools.
Voter approval of Proposition A in 2024 made way for the expansion of classrooms and labs at Frontier and Ben Barber to provide additional opportunities for students. MISD presented a plat proposal to the City of Mansfield, and design drawings are under review. In addition, the Ben Barber leadership team and the Bond Projects Team are carefully planning new lab spaces and determining classroom equipment needs. Also included in the approved bond package was replacing outdated equipment beyond its useful life-cycle at Frontier and Ben Barber and the Phoenix Academy.
FIBER RING INSTALLATION
The 2024 Bond package included the installation of a resilient fiber ring connection between the district’ s campuses and the operation center. MISD has issued a contract to Conterra Networks, and a substantial portion of the ring is expected to be complete by September of this year.
ADDITIONS UPDATE
The district is committed to providing exceptional learning spaces for all Fine Arts programs. One of MISD’ s fastest expanding fine arts programs is orchestra. By June of 2027, several MISD middle school campuses are slated to enjoy new orchestra additions that effectively address program function, needs, and expansion opportunities. These projects are now underway at Rogene Worley, Linda Jobe, James Coble, Danny Jones, Brooks Wester, and T. A. Howard middle schools, and phasing meetings for these projects are on the calendar. Meanwhile, key players Huckabee Architects, Reeder Construction( Worley, Jobe, Jones, and Wester projects), Lee Lewis Construction( Coble and Howard), and campus principals are working closely to coordinate construction activities and review construction documents.
Installing the fiber ring will provide a secondary fiber path to each of the district’ s facilities, ensuring connectivity for campuses and several systems if a fiber cut occurs between the campus and the operations center. Many critical infrastructure systems rely on fiber connections to operate.
ATHLETIC FACILITY UPGRADES AND MAINTENANCE
Regarding the athletic turf and the batting cage projects, the Bond Projects Team, coaches, and the Athletic Department met several times with Huckabee Architects to refine site plans for each location. Specific challenges have emerged because these projects are retrofits by nature; however, the team has tackled obstacles, resulting in amazing spaces with ease of use and equitability. The Bond Projects team anticipates a summer start for these endeavors.
20 MANSFIELDTODAY