Chronicle Reports: Relief From Over-Crowded Sienna Plantation Schools On The Way!

Fort Bend ISD trustees approve land purchases for future campuses
Elementaries would be built in Sienna and Aliana areas

By ZEN T. C. ZHENG
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

The Fort Bend school board on Monday approved purchases of two elementary school sites, one in the Sienna Plantation subdivision east of Missouri City and the other in the Aliana development in the district's northern sector.

The planned Sienna campus has been selected on12 acres northwest of Baines Middle School, to be bought for more than $601,100.

The school would be built to an 860-pupil capacity and scheduled to open in August 2008, said Lee Petros, associate superintendent of facilities and planning.

The project aims to lessen crowding at two elementary campuses, Sienna Crossing and Scanlan Oaks, Petros said.

Sienna Crossing, with a capacity for 820 pupils, had an enrollment of 912 last October. Scanlan Oaks, also designed for 820 pupils, enrolled 1,061 pupils in October.

The Sienna project would cost $16.7 million, including the land, design, construction and furnishings, Petros said.

The project will be initially financed through a district fund balance. District officials are considering calling a bond referendum in November to fund new campuses and other improvements, including the planned elementary campus for Sienna, he said.