Conroe ISD is exploring options for a new agriculture barn after the landowner of the current facility decided to terminate the lease. District leaders aim to secure a permanent site to support future investments in the program.
Conroe ISD is revising its plans for the agriculture barn that serves Oak Ridge and Grand Oaks high schools following the landowner's announcement to terminate the lease on the current property.
Superintendent Curtis Null clarified that the district’s bond committee did not know about the landowner's intentions while developing the $1.9 billion bond that was approved in November 2023. The barn on the Otwell property has been functioning under a long-term lease, albeit without a formal contract.
“This property is intended to serve as a permanent home since we do not own our previous site,” Null stated. “If we are going to invest in bond funds, we must take ownership of that property.”
A total of $17 million has been allocated by the bond under Proposition C for the construction of a new barn in Conroe, along with renovations to two existing barns. Nevertheless, funding for property purchases aimed at Oak Ridge and Grand Oaks agricultural students was not incorporated.
Superintendent Null highlighted that Proposition A allocated $50 million for land acquisitions, including a site on Robinson Road, which could potentially become the new location for the barn.
Trustees expressed worries regarding the need for sufficient resources during the transition, highlighting the significance of establishing a stable, permanent facility for the future of the ag program.
