FBN: New Sienna School May Open Over Capacity (click title link for full story--just damn good planning, right?)

Rapid Growth Means New FBISD Elementary Will Be Full Upon Opening
by Bob Dunn, Apr 24, 2007

Last month, Fort Bend Independent School District’s board agreed to spend money in the district’s fund balance to bring a new elementary school on line in Sienna Plantation by 2008, to relieve severe overcrowding at Scanlan Oaks and Sienna Crossing elementaries.

Last night, board members and administrators wrestled with the mathematics behind that move, and the stark realization that by the time the new elementary is opened in fall 2008, both it and the other two existing schools will be full to the brim with students. . .

. . .Trustee Stan Magee noted that he’s advocated building larger schools because of rapid population growth in new developments. “Sienna’s explosive,” Magee said. “Aliana is about going to eat our lunch. Telfair is explosive.”

Superintendent Dr. Timothy Jenney said the district is in its present position because of “a matter of timing. The issue tonight is whether or not we want to open up in 2008 with additional temporary buildings” and then move students to a new, larger Sienna elementary school half-way through the school year.

“We need to start owning some of these drawings,” Trustee Ken Bryant said of architects’ plans for existing schools, “and store them in our file cabinets. We haven’t explored this, Lee. It’s called owning the product.”

“We own this one, Ken,” Smelley replied.


Comment: How about the local districts pushing for developer kick-in on the land. That would save millions and help the schools to keep up with the growth.