Lindale I.S.D. Early Childhood Center set to Expand - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

By Meghan McDermott

The enrollment is 381, which is well above the 360 student capacity.  The superintendent says eight classrooms will be built on to the Early Childhood Center.

"The enrollment of Lindale ISD is the highest it's ever been. The first week of school we set a new school record," said Lindale ISD Superintendent, Stan Surratt.  

The district has surpassed its projected 3% growth this year, enrollment is at 3,619.

"It's a great community. It's a great school district-- I think those are the two biggest drawings," said Surratt.

The school board has approved a guaranteed maximum price for construction at just over $1.5 million. That's 24% less than the district had budgeted for. The LISD will use its fund balance to pay for the construction.

"The district is in great financial shape that we're able to pay cash for those eight additional classrooms," said Surratt.

Surratt says the school addition is not included in this November's school bond election because the need is now.

"We're over capacity right now on this campus. On some of the other campuses it's a year or two away before they'll reach or go over capacity or core," said Surratt.

Construction will begin in November and will be finished August 1, 2010. The Lindale ISD has a two-part $42 million  bond up for election in November. It includes expansions on all campuses and a new Junior High School.