When I graduated from Troy High School in 2005, classrooms were already full to the brim. Until halfway through my sophomore year, I was used to always seeing familiar faces in the various classes with one or two "new kids" popping up each year. It wasn't long into my high school career before I began noticing a huge influx of new students.

That was before the housing boom in that tiny town. When I pass through now, I barely recognize the place. What was once a huge, empty field behind my aunt and uncle's house on East Austin is now a thriving community of houses and duplexes. I rarely see anyone I recognize when I visit Downtown. It's a little surreal to see the humble hamlet I grew up in having grown so much in just over a decade.

I can't imagine how they're fitting all these new kids into the halls of Troy High School. It's a miracle the place hasn't burst apart at the seams.

Now, for the first time since 2008, the Troy School Board is calling for a bond election.

On May 4, voters will decide if the district gets a requested $18 million to improve and expand to accommodate all that growth. Just over $11 million will go to fixing up the high school and adding a few needed amenities. (This former band nerd is happy to see plans for an addition to the band hall and more practice space.)

Superintendent Neil Jeter (shout-out to my former principal; apologies for the trouble I caused) tells our news partner, KWTX, that the district's plan was vetted by a committee of Troy parents, staff, and community leaders. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Darrell Becker adds that the completion of work on I-35 through Troy will only bring more homes and more families, and Troy schools must be prepared.

It's estimated that the bond would mean the owner of a $100,000 home in district would see a monthly tax increase of $15.61. Early voting on the bond runs from April 22 to April 30 at Troy ISD's Administration Building, 205 North Waco Rd.

Below is a rendering courtesy of Troy ISD.

Troy ISD
Troy ISD
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