Austin Community College is looking at constructing new campuses in Round Rock, San Marcos, and other surrounding communities after the release of consultant recommendations on how to properly meet state-mandated education initiatives.
Priority areas are cities with low land costs and high-expected population growth. Round Rock is on top of the list, with San Marcos, Manor, and Bastrop County also being considered.
Campus construction is not expected in Round Rock until at least 2009, according to Ben Ferrell, vice president of business services at ACC.
"Round Rock has always been a huge priority because of the demographics," said Ferrell. "There is a lot of growth predicted in that area. We don't expect them to drive into Austin to go to school."
Until recently San Marcos looked to be the first location for an expanded ACC district until an election to incorporate the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District into the ACC taxing district was postponed due to concerns over irregularities regarding the petition.
Ferrell said that the postponement did not influence the decision to prioritize Round Rock.
"San Marcos is just as important," said Ferrell. "You cannot ignore Round Rock, but San Marcos is critical."
Administrators conducted a feasibility study to see if and when the city would annex.
"We thought San Marcos would come through early," said Ferrell. "Things seem to be looking better, and prospects are increasing."
The aimed expansion is sought to increase student enrollment while expanding the gross square feet per student according to recommendations from architectural firm Sasaki Associates. The firm was contracted by ACC to construct strategies to meet the state-mandated Closing the Gaps initiative, which seeks to increase enrollment in Texas schools.
"The purpose of that plan was to get a solid prediction of where we need to be in the future, and to talk about getting that land now when the cost is much lower," said Ferrell.
A major component to the plan was to divide future expansion between existing and future campuses. ACC is well covered by the Interstate Highway 35 corridor within Travis County, so officials hope to meet the demands of half of the incoming student base by expanding the nearby facilities.
One question yet to be resolved is whether the new campuses will be funded by general obligation bonds from Austin taxpayers, who would be reluctant to fund construction in San Marcos or Round Rock; revenue bonds from student tuition and fees, or a combination. A revenue bond only requires approval from the Board of Trustees, unlike the taxpayer vote necessary for a general obligation bond.
Regardless, the persistent increase in student enrollment due to the rapid growth of Austin and surrounding cities will ensure that annexation remains on the board's list of priorities.
"The district is in very good shape to get ahead of the curve and really do things in a great way for the future," said Ferrell.
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