TROUP, Texas — The Troup Independent School District board of trustees has called a $22.2 million bond election that would fund major facility improvements across the district, including new science labs, career and technical classrooms, and a competition gym at the high school, as well as expanded cafeteria and classroom space at the elementary campus.
The bond package, developed by a citizen-led facilities planning committee over the past six months, focuses on safety upgrades, growth capacity, and modernization. Superintendent and board members emphasized that the projects represent essential needs rather than “wish list” items.
At Troup Elementary, the proposal calls for new construction linking the grades 3–5 wing to the K–2 building, creating a single secure entrance and eliminating the need for students to walk outdoors between classes. The plan also includes a central corridor with additional classrooms, new small-group learning spaces, and extensive cafeteria improvements. That project is estimated at $6.35 million.
The high school plan, totaling $15.85 million, includes 8,600 square feet of new science classrooms and labs, a career and technical education wing with welding and woodshop areas, and a new competition gymnasium. The gym would seat up to 1,000, provide and ADA-accessible facilities.
Although needs at Troup Middle School were identified, administrators said those projects could be covered with existing district funds and were not included in the bond proposal.
If approved, the bond would raise the district’s tax rate from 83 cents to $1.12 per $100 valuation.
Rick, a member of the facilities planning committee, told trustees the package was designed to balance urgent needs with taxpayer concerns. “This plan addresses only the bare needs of our future,” he said, noting that it has been two decades since the district last passed a bond.
The bond election will be conducted in partnership with Smith and Cherokee counties this fall.
