Bond Updates

Elkhart ISD Provides an Update on the 2026 Bond Projects

ELKHART, Texas — Elkhart Independent School District would like to thank the voters of Elkhart ISD for their support of the 2026 Bond Program. The District appreciates the community’s investment in the future of Elkhart ISD students and staff and is committed to providing regular updates as the work moves forward.

Currently, the Superintendent (Mr. Reese Briggs) and administrative staff are working with the District’s architectural firm, McKinley Golden Associates (MGA), to implement plans for the projects included in the 2026 Bond Program. The District and MGA are carefully evaluating the voter-approved bond projects and completing more detailed design planning, while remaining mindful of available resources and project costs.

Middle School Additions and Renovations

Multiple design concepts have been presented and considered for the Middle School. These concepts include various options for additions and renovations to the existing campus. The District is evaluating how each option may best address current and future space needs.

The District is also working with MGA on security improvements at the Middle School, including consideration of fencing locations and secure entrance options.

Site and Traffic Improvements

Multiple concepts have also been presented and considered for pickup and drop-off circulation improvements at all three campuses — the Middle School, Elementary School, and Intermediate School.

The goal of these improvements is to help alleviate congestion and improve the flow of traffic. The District and MGA are considering different approaches to determine which improvements best address the needs of each campus.

Staff Input

As part of the planning process, Elkhart ISD has met with campus and district staff to gather input regarding space planning and instructional needs. Staff input is an important component of the process as the District works to develop facilities that best supports teaching and learning.

Project Costs and Planning

MGA has also updated cost estimates for the various concepts under consideration to ensure informed decision-making and responsible stewardship of public funds. 

At this stage, the District is working through the Predesign (PD) phase. During this phase, various needs, options, concepts, and potential costs are being evaluated before a specific design is advanced.

The next phase will be the Schematic Design (SD) phase. During Schematic Design, the design selected during the Predesign phase will be further developed and refined.

Elkhart ISD recognizes that successful bond projects require careful design planning prior to construction, and the District will continue to provide updates as the projects progress.

Elkhart ISD appreciates the continued support of our students, staff, families, and community as we work together to plan and improve the facilities that will serve Elkhart students for years to come.

Elkhart ISD Takes Major Step Forward in 2026 Bond Program with Unanimous Board Approval of CMAR Delivery Method and Review of Middle School Design Plans

7-0 Board vote selects Construction Manager-at-Risk model to ensure maximum financial stewardship, accelerate construction, and transform middle school campus facilities.

ELKHART, TX — The Elkhart Independent School District (EISD) Board of Trustees reached a major milestone in its commitment to student success and facility modernization during its meeting on Monday, October 26, 2026. In a unanimous 7-0 vote, the Board approved the Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMAR) delivery method for the district's 2026 Bond Program following a comprehensive presentation of preliminary middle school floor plans and campus improvements by architectural firm McKinley-Golden Associates (MGA).

A Vision for Modernized Learning Spaces

During the meeting, McKinley-Golden Associates unveiled updated schematic layouts and budget estimates for the middle school campus. To ensure clear visual clarity and fiscal transparency, the design showcased budget allocations across five distinct tiers:

• New Additions: Expanding capacity and modernizing educational environments.
• Heavy Renovations: Comprehensive overhauls of key campus infrastructure.
• Medium & Light Renovations: Targeted updates to enhance functionality and aesthetics.
• Campus-Wide Tie-in: Seamless integration of new and existing facilities.

The presentation also featured an updated Campus Traffic & Infrastructure Improvement Plan, designed to streamline drop-off and pick-up routines, improve pedestrian safety, and enhance overall traffic flow for students, parents, and staff.

Maximizing Value and Fiscal Responsibility

Following an administrative recommendation from Tyson Bennett, the Board evaluated six state-authorized construction delivery options before selecting CMAR as the optimal procurement method for EISD taxpayers. CMAR delivers best-value outcomes through four strategic pillars:

1. Early Risk & Cost Management: Bringing the contractor onto the project team during the current design phase allows for real-time cost estimating, constructability reviews, and proactive equipment ordering before establishing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).
2. Expedited Timeline: The Board approved a streamlined 1-Step Request for Proposals (RFP) process—evaluating contractor qualifications and fee proposals concurrently—to accelerate the timeline and move swiftly toward construction.
3. Structured Governance: Superintendent Briggs was authorized to issue the RFP, convene a specialized evaluation committee to rank proposals based on rigorous best-value criteria, and present the top offer to the Board for final contract award.
4. Community Wage Protections: All contract solicitations will mandate compliance with Anderson County prevailing wage rate determinations, aligning with Texas Government Code §2258 and the Davis-Bacon Act.

"This unanimous vote marks an exciting milestone for our district, our students, and the entire Elkhart community," said Superintendent Briggs. “By pairing MGA's thoughtful campus designs with the CMAR delivery method, we are strengthening cost management, transparency, and accountability through early contractor involvement and the establishment of a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) before construction proceeds.”