Construction for the McNeil High School Master Plan could continue as early as this summer after Round Rock ISD reached an environmental agreement with Travis County and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS).
Construction of McNeil Master Plan Phase One includes the front building areas that will house special education, administration and fine arts. The campus Master Plan, funded through Bond 2014, was partially delayed due to a backlog of projects at USFWS. The delay occurred on the Travis County side of McNeil, which is split on the county line with Williamson County.
USFWS granted approval for the project after an environmental study and conservation agreement that is in process, in order to protect the endangered species living near McNeil. The District is currently bidding the drawings and specifications for the construction areas and expects to bring the construction management firm’s pricing to the Board of Trustees by June.
“We are thankful for the continued cooperation between Round Rock ISD, Travis County and U.S. Fish and Wildlife to ensure environmental considerations are addressed before we begin construction,” said Bob Cervi, Round Rock ISD chief operating officer. “I look forward to working with our Round Rock ISD team to bring this outstanding Master Plan project to the McNeil community in the coming year.”
Under the plan, Round Rock ISD will provide access to the existing land adjacent to the Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Center to serve as a conservation easement for the Balcones Canyon Conservation Plan. The land is not available for construction due to two caves on the land and endangered species. The District will remain the landowner while Travis County monitors the caves and species and continues protecting the habitat.
Phase 2 of the McNeil Master Plan appears in Proposition 1 of the May 6 Bond election. The phase includes the renovation and construction of classrooms, athletics areas, Career and Technical Education space and public areas like the cafeteria.
