A new scenario presented to an advisory committee includes expanding for a sixth time Chandler Elementary School. File Photo More scenarios presented to the Brownsboro Independent School District’s Citizens Facilities Advisory Committee on Monday included a $22.3 million option — building one new elementary school and renovating three other campuses, administrator Kenneth Wooten said.

“The first option is to build two new elementary schools and do renovations at the high school and junior high. The cost would come to $31.8 million. The second option is to build a new Brownsboro Elementary School and renovate Chandler Elementary School, Brownsboro Junior High, and Brownsboro High, at a cost of $22.3 million.”

Kent Harris of Eubanks Harris Roberts Craig Architects of Tyler, Wooten said, adjusted cost esimates after committee members asked him not to account for so much money in renovating the junior high.

“So the architect came back with a little bit cheaper cost, lowering the cost of renovating the junior high,” he said. “The committee believes maybe we can come back later and build a new junior high. What it comes down to is figuring out what the voters would approve. We’re just not sure.”

During the committee’s April 19 meeting, the district’s administrators recommended building two elementary campuses, renovating Brownsboro Elementary to make it a part of the junior high, renovating Brownsboro High, and using Chandler Elementary for and ACES and/or DAEP campus.

But Wooten said some committee members continue to insist the elementary campus in Chandler could be expanded a sixth time since it was built in 1977.

“I really don’t know which way they’re leaning. Some think we can just renovate and add on to Chandler Elementary, and that it will still be good for another 20 years. Others think we need to build a new one.”

Theoretical construction costs and other financial scenarios show several options for building, expanding, and renovating the district’s six oldest campuses. Among them includes constructing a 212,000-squarefoot high school that would include a fine-arts auditorium and athletic support facilities “with a core for 1,200 students and academic areas for 1,000 students.”

It also recommends consolidating grades and renovating the high school and Brownsboro Junior High School to accommodate students from other campuses, and building new schools.

The advisory committee of more than 60 people, charged with finding the most ideal and cost-effective way for the district to expand, has met six times since Feb. 22 and is scheduled to meet at least three more times over the next two months, including on May 17 at Brownsboro Elementary.

One committee member has reported that Leon Johnson of Southwest Securities Group of Dallas advised the district not to seek more than $25 million in November — although the district has reportedly been approved for more than $42 million.

Southwest Securities Group estimates that a 30- year bond at $20 million would increase property taxes on a $100,000 house from $969 to $1,141.25. Comparatively, a 25-year bond at $20 million would increase property taxes on a $100,000 house from $969 to $1,157.52.

At $25 million, property taxes on a $100,000 house would increase from $969 to $1,203.22.

A 35-year bond at $20 million would increase property taxes on a $100,000 house from $969 to $1,130.18.

The oldest of the district’s six campuses — Brownsboro Elementary, Chandler Elementary, Brownsboro High, and Brownsboro Junior High — need extensive renovations or expansions. The elementary schools are in the worst condition of the four.

“Planning Scenario Five” recommends converting Brownsboro Intermediate School to Brownsboro Elementary for grades prekindergarten through 5 and constructing, renovating or expanding classrooms by 25,000 square feet, with space for Pre-K through first grade, for 750 students.

It also recommends:

•Maintain Chandler Elementary to accommodate programs and increased enrollment.

Upgrade student safety and security system, classrooms, paving, drainage, air conditioning and heating, roof, and signs “as feasible” for 450 students.

•Maintain Chandler Intermediate School for grades 3 through 5. Construct, renovate, or expand classrooms by 4,500 square feet for 500 students.

•Convert Brownsboro High to Brownsboro Junior High for grades 6 through 8 for 800 students.

•Improve all campuses with new paving and drainage.

Committee members have toured each campus in Chandler and Brownsboro. Texas School Planning President Dr. Arnold Oates has said the committee appeared especially bothered by conditions at Brownsboro Elementary and Brownsboro Junior High.

Chandler Elementary was built in 1969 and expanded five times between 1977 and 1995. Brownsboro Elementary was built in 1968, and it was expanded four times between 1972 and 1995.

While the Chandler campus could expand again if it removes its playground area, Brownsboro Elementary cannot even do that. The school is situated between the district administration building and other facilities to the east, Brownsboro Junior High to the north, and Brownsboro High School to the west.

Brownsboro High School is the youngest campus of the group. Built in 1987, it has been expanded just once and appears to be in the best condition. Brownsboro Junior High was built in 1981 and has never been expanded.

All four schools are at capacity.

Texas School Planning was hired last October to consult the district on its capital-improvements plan. District officials have reported the student population has increased by about 60 percent over the last 20 years — a rate of 3 percent annually.