The $100 million bond package, approved by voters in November 2017, is nearing completion. Construction began on the first of the Amarillo ISD 2017 Bond projects with renovations to Fannin Middle School and Lamar Elementary School. Those projects were the first of the funding authorized by voters in November 2017 to address renovation and restoration needs associated with the District’s aging facilities. 

A full renovation at Fannin included 11 new classrooms, a secured entrance with bullet resistant glass, a new library and enlarged cafeteria, restroom renovations, refurbished courtyard areas and a new office/administration area. The work at Lamar included drainage improvements, bullet resistant glass installation and plumbing and sewer line replacement.    

The next package of bond projects to begin construction soon includes work at Palo Duro High School, Travis and Mann middle schools and Allen 6th Grade Campus. In addition to an auditorium overhaul, work at Palo Duro will include converting existing basement space into classrooms, renovating restrooms and shower areas, and improving drop-off areas. Travis, Mann and Allen 6th Grade will receive restroom renovations, drop-off area improvements, and new exterior windows at Mann. 

The district’s aging facilities have been a focus because nearly 80 percent of schools are more than 50 years old.

The 2017 bond package includes enhanced safety and security measures with the addition of school doors with bullet resistant glass and improvements to student drop-off/pick-up areas. The bond also calls for new classroom additions at four schools and facility updates for bathrooms, locker rooms and high school auditoriums.  The bond also includes restoration and replacement of school plumbing and sewer lines, drainage areas, and other basic infrastructure improvements.