What happened: Midland ISD officials told trustees during their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, that projects funded through the district’s 2023 bond are currently tracking about $13 million under budget, based on costs for items already in design or under construction.

The update came months after the City of Midland approved $18.2 million for road, water, and sewer infrastructure surrounding two new MISD high schools. The school district did not include these projects in its $1.4 billion bond package approved by voters.

The big picture: On Aug. 26, Midland City Council approved the $18.2 million in funding, noting that MISD will initially cover the full $27.5 million cost using bond funds. The city will reimburse the district $18.2 million in three equal payments between 2027 and 2029, leaving MISD responsible for $9.4 million of the total cost.

City officials said the projects, including extensions of Avalon and Thomason Drives and expansion of Wadley Avenue, are necessary to accommodate traffic and utility needs generated by the new schools. During the meeting, no council member disputed that the district should have included the total cost in the bond package.

Mayor Lori Blong said city staff had asked the district to fund the road projects through the bond, but the district refused after months of negotiations.

You can view MISD’s financial dashboard for the 2023 bond here.