A citizens’ bond committee advising the Austin Independent School District on a possible bond election in 2013 had identified $176.9 million of needed improvements to the Texas district’s middle school athletic facilities.
The AISD’s fields and gyms have not been upgraded since 2004.
Proposed improvements include $25.6 million for new artificial turf at three middle schools and 11 high schools, construction of a $26 million district swimming facility, and $33.6 million for upgraded locker rooms.
The committee is considering three options for the athletic portion of the 2013 bond referendum ranging from $80.1 million to $176.9 million.
The advisory committee also recommended an operational funding increase of $2 million a year for the district’s athletics programs.
The AISD’s $857 million of outstanding general obligation debt is rated Aaa by Moody’s Investors Service and AA-plus by Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s.
The district has an assessed valuation of $62.1 billion.
