Since the 1990s, the Midland ISD community had voted down five consecutive attempts to address secondary facility needs—the most recent, in 2019, was defeated by just 26 votes.
So, in 2022, the district engaged Pfluger Architects to help them develop a comprehensive bond plan shaped by district and community input. The result was the successful $1.415 billion bond, which passed with a 56% approval rating in November 2023.
To make this happen, Pfluger collaborated with a bond planning committee of approximately 100 Midland ISD residents that included parents, staff, and community leaders. The committee studied district finances, student enrollment, school conditions and capacities, and future demographic trends. Then, for additional insights, Pfluger surveyed more than 3,000 residents to learn what issues mattered most to potential voters.
This engagement led to a bond narrative that would replace Midland and Legacy High Schools, provide district-wide safety and security upgrades, renovate more than 30 aging facilities, convert a high school and freshman center into two additional middle schools, and construct a new elementary school. These proposed projects would align the district’s facilities with anticipated enrollment figures.
Once the vision was established, the Pfluger team shifted their focus to communicating it to the broader community, taking these steps to spread the word:
· Developing a unique campaign brand
· Conducting comprehensive voter analysis
· Presenting detailed renderings of potential high school designs
· Launching a bond-specific website featuring a custom tax calculator
· Advising on the legal aspects of bond elections
· Creating presentations for the community, informational mailers, single-page flyers, campus banners, lawn signs, commercials, and more
· Distributing maps of voting locations to inform families and boost voter participation
· Sending text message updates to the community
· Offering social media strategy consulting for Midland ISD
The passage of Midland ISD’s $1.415 billion bond, the eighth-largest in Texas history, marks a new era for the district. With Pfluger Architects’ support, Midland ISD successfully addressed critical needs and united a community.
The community-centric vision presented to the Board of Trustees in August 2023 cherishes the memories and rich heritage of Midland and Legacy High Schools but addresses their current capacity and future planning needs. It also focuses on improving safety and security district-wide and facilitates grade realignment to optimize the use of existing facilities. This achievement is a testament to the power of community collaboration and shared vision.
Congratulations to Midland ISD and the residents of Midland County on this historic achievement. Your shared commitment and collaboration have laid the groundwork for a more meaningful human experience, enriching the lives of students and families for generations to come.
