Highland Park ISD continues to make progress toward starting construction related to the $361.4 million bond election approved by voters in November 2015.

The following is an update on what has taken place so far:

Bond sale

In February, the district sold $225 million in bonds with a 20-year amortization at an interest rate of 2.95%, well below the 4.5% interest rate prior to the November bond election. By taking advantage of such a low rate, HPISD taxpayers will pay less than initially expected. The 2015-16 tax rate will be released in August.

New elementary school

Significant progress has been made on plans for the district's first new elementary school in nearly 70 years. Several focus groups have provided input on both the exterior and interior design of the school and the board has received two updates from the district's architect. Click here to see the most recent School Board presentation.

In addition, the district has been working with officials from the City of Dallas regarding the permitting and zoning for the new school as well as the traffic plan around the site. While final approval will still be needed from the Dallas City Council, the district remains on track to begin construction in early summer.

Construction firms

Following a competitive process, the firm of Balfour Beatty was selected to handle construction related to the bond program at all of the district's elementary schools. A second competitive process has begun to select a construction firm to work on additions/renovations to McCulloch Intermediate School/Highland Park Middle School and Highland Park High School.

Renovations at Highland Park High School

Discussions are well underway regarding plans to relocate the Seay Tennis Center from its current location to a site east of the high school parking lot. Following its completion, work will begin on building a new multi-sport/natatorium/professional development center.

This fall, significant planning will take place at the high school with school leaders and department chairs on how to maximize the new classroom space that will be added in the upcoming years. It is hoped that construction can begin on the new northwest addition of the school (near the music wing) in early 2017.

Order of reconstruction at the three elementary schools

No final decision has been made regarding the order of the reconstruction of the three elementary schools slated to be rebuilt. An announcement is expected prior to the end of the current school year.

There have been no further significant developments regarding the design of Bradfield, Hyer and University Park Elementary Schools.