NEW SHERMAN HIGH SCHOOL ON HORIZON
Voters passed the proposed $ 176 million Sherman ISD 2017 Bond package , which will fund a new Sherman High School and technology upgrades across the district , with 58 percent voting for the measure . The bond package will address overcrowding issues , accommodate increased enrollment , provide modern learning spaces , and improve technology infrastructure and access for all students .
“ Our community was truly engaged in this important decision ,” Superintendent Dr . David Hicks said . “ We are excited that the community recognized the needs of our district and that this bond proposal is the next step in the future of Sherman ISD .”
Between Election Day and early voting , 4,430 voters weighed in on the measure , with 2,548 voting for the bond . Board members and district leaders expressed gratitude to the Sherman community citing the important role citizens played in crafting a comprehensive master facility plan that led to the proposed bond program .
“ This bond represents many hours of hard work by board members , staff , and many citizens . All along the way our community has been an important voice in shaping and guiding district decisions ,” Board President Tim Millerick said . “ We thank everyone for their participation into the process and their support of our schools , our students and our staff . We are now able to move forward to address our most pressing needs .”
The proposed bond calls for building a new Sherman High School on a new site , upgrading district-wide technology infrastructure , converting the current Sherman HS to a second middle school and upgrading the HVAC / Energy management system , and reconfiguring grade levels at middle and elementary levels . The plan was developed by the Sherman ISD Citizens Advisory Committee , a group of more than 70 community members from across the district , including parents , community and business leaders , and staff members .
The district will get to work immediately on next steps , beginning with technology infrastructure upgrades , followed by construction of the new Sherman High School . The new high school project will begin in December 2017 with the design phase , which will include input from community , staff , and students . Following the design phase , the district will conduct a competitive construction bidding process , select a contractor , and establish a citizens committee to oversee bond progress . Grade reconfiguration and converting the current Sherman HS will begin after the completion of the new high school .
“ We are grateful to our community ,” Hicks said . “ These results speak to the level of support and confidence our community has in our schools . It ’ s a great time to be a Bearcat .”
19