As construction projects wrap up, our gratitude goes out to you

In May of 2008, this community voted to make an investment in our school facilities that will benefit the children for generations to come.  On behalf of the HPISD School Board of Trustees, I want to once again thank the community for approving the $75.4 million bond referendum that allowed these crucial improvements to be made to our seven campuses. 

• Classrooms: Until recently, every campus except HPHS had portable classrooms, some of which were in use for more than 18 years. Thanks to the voters' support of the bond issue, all the portable classrooms have been replaced with indoor classrooms. Each elementary school added eight classrooms. At HPMS and MIS, 18 classrooms were added, and all portable classrooms were removed. At HPHS, two existing classrooms were converted to science labs to satisfy the new four-year science requirement. The small auditorium was converted into two small meeting/classrooms.
• Cafeterias: The elementary cafeterias were expanded, and new kitchens were installed at each campus. The increased capacity and efficiency means all students can be served in a shorter total time period. The HPMS and MIS kitchen area was remodeled with new flooring and equipment, and the HPHS cafetorium area received a new floor and sound-buffering acoustical tile.
• Security: Main entries were reconfigured at all campuses to require visitors to pass through the main office prior to entering the school. This allows each campus to have better knowledge of the visitors through ID checks and to monitor when students come and go off campus. Security cameras were added throughout the campuses for increased monitoring of all facilities. 
• Technology: Network upgrades and data storage enhancements were made on all campuses. These improvements support more sophisticated technology in our classrooms.
• Windows: All four elementary campuses, the high school, and the Administration Building had nearly all of the old windows replaced. The new windows are double-paned and allow for a better energy-efficient building envelope, which will lower the district's energy costs while providing the facilities with better security.
• HVAC, Roofs and Electrical Systems: Many of the roofs, HVAC equipment, classroom lighting and electrical systems were extended beyond their intended life cycles. These items were replaced with more energy-efficient equipment, which will require less maintenance and lower the district's operating costs.  One example of the new equipment and technology is a new energy management control program that regulates every district facility's HVAC systems, lights, and security systems.
• Athletic Facilities: The bond program included a new competition gym, new boys' and girls' locker rooms, a co-ed weight room, and replacing the track and field at the HPMS. At HPHS, Highlander Stadium received a face lift with new lighting and sound systems. The home-side stands were cleaned, water sealed and painted to preserve the concrete and to prevent water seepage inside the locker rooms. Artificial turf was installed on the softball field. Improvements were also made to the pool systems in the natatorium, and the main boys' and girls' gym was renovated with a new HVAC system, lights, paint, and sound system.

• Additional Classrooms: The addition of a third floor, consisting of 6,300 square feet onto the MIS new wing, creates the capacity for three more classrooms and/or district-wide meeting rooms.
• Roofing: We were able to reroof 100 percent of the existing flat roof areas older than eight years and received a 20-year warranty on materials and workmanship (except for hail damage four inches in size and above).
• Security: All classroom doors older than our last renovations were replaced in all facilities throughout the district. These doors will provide better security in classrooms and allow better control of energy costs.
• MIS Field Improvements: The proposed improvements were enhanced with a new six-lane, 120-meter rubberized polyurethane sprint track and a six-foot wide running track around the field, two pole vault pits, a shot-put pit, a high-jump pit, and two long-jump pits. The field was regraded to standards better than NCAA requirements, and interior drainage and sprinkler systems were added to increase the durability and life expectancy of the grass field. 
• Elementary and Middle School Playgrounds: With contributions from the school PTAs, new playground equipment and sport courts are being added to the schools.
• Planetarium: We installed a digital projector, operational software, along with new seating and carpet. These are the first improvements to the facility since it was built in 1969.
• TV Studio and Station: A facilities upgrade to the HP-TV studio was made with new studio equipment, cameras, software, and sound equipment. 
• Multi-Purpose Activities Center: With the help of a $1 million contribution from the Highland Park Sport Club and Bank of Texas, a new 60,300 square-foot indoor facility was constructed to benefit all high school boys' and girls' sports programs and other student activities. Numerous sports and student groups have used the facility since its opening this past fall. This new facility allows our students to have safer and less crowded practice areas for all of their activities.
• Administration Services Building: A new 6,000 square-foot annex will be added onto the Facility Services building. This annex will be the new home of the Business and Building Services department. For the past 15 years, this site has been home to a portable building, which has housed our Curriculum and Instruction staff. The C&I staff has been relocated into the administration building, which allows for better synergy with all departments and schools.