The
bond package up for voter consideration would allot $39 million to renovate high school and middle school athletic facilities like Lowrey Field, along with high school auditoriums, and elementary playgrounds.
$12 million of this is specifically designated for Lowrey improvements like new locker rooms closer to the field, new bathrooms, repairs to the track and a new press box.
"There is no ADA accessibility to the press box and so we will have to put in an elevator," says Bill Craft, executive director for LISD facilities.
The typical lifespan for turf on a football field is around 10 years. The turf at Lowrey is aged past that mark.
"If you look at it you can definitely see the middle of the field, where you get your most wear," says Craft. "It's definitely time to replace the turf."
There's also funding for middle school athletics, including $7 million for a four-lane track, stands for parents to watch their kids games and new locker rooms.
Kathy Deanneik is a member of the 2020 Committee.
"These locker rooms represent who these kids are, not to mention that other schools come into our building and use these facilities," says Deanneik.
Right now kids can't even take showers after P.E. because the stalls are used for storage.
"This is what they see," says Deanneik. "This is what Evans is to those other schools and we want those people to walk in and go 'wow, look at these schools, look at LISD, they take care of their district and their kids'."
Beyond athletics there would also be $7 million for high school auditorium repairs and $3 million for playgrounds.
