On Monday, October 28, the Ponder ISD School Board unanimously approved a series of much-needed improvements across several campuses and athletic facilities. This includes upgrades to Ponder Upper and Lower Elementary Schools, the Junior High, and various athletic fields.
These projects come at no additional cost to taxpayers, as Ponder ISD will fund the improvements with remaining funds from a previous high school bond project and the district’s fund balance.
The improvements address critical infrastructure needs, such as replacing an outdated water-source heat pump system at the Junior High and a 40-ton HVAC unit at the Upper Elementary School. Additional upgrades will enhance both the safety and aesthetics of campuses, including installing new LED lighting inside and outside the schools, updating flooring at the Lower Elementary, and adding restroom partitions at the Upper Elementary.
Athletic facilities will also see a transformation with new turf for baseball, softball, and football fields, updated lighting, new backstops, and a new track at the stadium. The playground at Upper Elementary will be revitalized by removing portables and laying turf for student activities. Furthermore, parking lot striping will be updated district-wide, ensuring improved safety and convenience.