Melissa ISD continues to grow at an accelerated pace, and with that growth comes the responsibility to plan ahead, create space, and maintain the high-quality experience our families expect and our students deserve. The information below provides a clear update on what the 2021 bond delivered for our community, why the next phase of growth requires a temporary pause, and what families can expect looking ahead.
Bond 2021: What We Delivered for Melissa ISD
These projects were fully funded through the 2021 bond and can only be used for voter-approved items within that bond. The 2021 bond was designed to support student growth and expand learning spaces across the district. Highlights include:
New Schools Opened:
Melissa ISD opened three new campuses to support growth:
Sumeer Elementary
Highland Elementary
East Cardinal Middle School
Completed Melissa High School Expansion:
Major additions to Melissa High School were completed as part of Phase III, enhancing academic, fine arts, and student life spaces, including:
Academic Wing, including CTE and IB classrooms
Melissa Championship Studio for our Fine Arts students
Student Union
Finalizing MHS Expansion - The Arena:
Phase IV of the MHS expansion is the Arena from the 2021 bond. Construction is nearly complete, and it is expected to open for the 2026–2027 school year. This 62,000 sq. ft. space will seat about 2,000 spectators and serve as a home for athletic competitions, academic events, and community gatherings.
Districtwide Investments:
Additionally, in order to stay ahead of future growth, we purchased land for future schools, additional buses for student transportation, and completed renovations and facility upgrades across campuses.
Bond Basics: How Recent State Legislative Changes Affect When We Can Build
A bond is a way the community helps schools grow by borrowing money to fund construction and improvements. Bonds are paid back over time through property taxes.
Many families have asked, “If voters approved the new bond, why can’t we start building?” Here’s what families need to know about how bond funds are accessed and how the recent legislative changes have affected when we are able to access the money:
Step 1 - Authorization: In May 2025, voters approved an $875 million bond to support the next phase of growth over the next 10 years.
Step 2 - Approval: Before a district can use any portion of an approved bond, State law requires proof that the district can afford to repay it based on projected future tax revenue.
In June, the 89th State Legislature increased the homestead exemption for school district taxes from $100,000 to $140,000. While this provides welcome tax relief to homeowners, it also reduces property tax revenue to school districts.
Because districts must demonstrate their ability to repay bond funds with future tax revenues, this legislative change results in less revenue coming into the school district. With less money coming in, districts across the state, including Melissa ISD, will need additional time to demonstrate that they can meet the State’s financial requirements.
As a result, current estimates indicate that it will take approximately two years before any portion of the voter-approved May 2025 bond can be accessed for any new projects, including the construction of new schools.
Step 3 - Access: Because we are not yet able to access the funds from the May 2025 bond, Melissa ISD is adjusting our plans to maintain responsible financial stewardship and long-term planning for student success while working within the State’s updated guidelines. We remain committed to providing a world-class learning experience for our rapidly growing student population as we navigate these significant financial constraints.
Launching Elementary #6: Cardinal Renaissance Academy (CRA)
Melissa ISD will open Elementary #6, Cardinal Renaissance Academy (CRA), in the 2026-2027 school year. Renovations are already taking place at the previous Sixth Grade Center located at 2950 Cardinal Dr. CRA will serve as a PreK–5th grade campus and offer a project-based learning experience working to align to the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The district will pursue IB authorization for this program.
The CRA model integrates project-based learning for core instruction in math, science, social studies, and ELAR. Additionally, an accelerated math pathway will be available only at CRA. The project-based learning schedule also allows CRA to offer students both the traditional specials of PE, Art, and Music, along with PYP-aligned specials such as Coding and Spanish.
Zoned Elementary #6: Students zoned for Elementary #6 (currently attending Willow Wood Elementary or Highland Elementary) will have a choice to remain at their current campus, or attend CRA.
Gifted & Talented: Melissa ISD Gifted and Talented services will also be moving to CRA. All current GT students within the district and their siblings will have the choice to attend CRA to receive their core instruction along with their one-day pull-out GT services. GT students who decide to remain at their zoned campus will continue their one-day pull-out services which will now be located at the CRA campus.
Selection to Attend CRA: Students zoned for Elementary #6 and GT students will receive direct communication regarding their campus selections. Once student enrollment is confirmed, the district will communicate additional availability to attend CRA.
Potential for Open Enrollment: Finally, after zoned students and MISD GT students elect to attend CRA, if space remains, MISD may move additional programs and then possibly open enrollment through application to any Melissa ISD student.
Zoning 2026-2027: What Families Can Expect Next
Transition details, zoning, and parent decision options will be communicated in phases to ensure families have clarity and time to make informed choices.
2026-2027 Elementary: The 2026-2027 elementary attendance zones were board approved in March 2025. While the interactive, online zoning map will be released this spring on our district website, families can view the approved zoning map below from the 2024-2025 Demographers Report.
Neighborhoods for Elementary #6, CRA: Villages of Melissa, Country Ridge, Legacy Ranch. Because of the nature of CRA being modeled after the IB PYP program with project-based learning for core curriculum, neighborhoods zoned to CRA will have the option to remain at their current campuses, Willow Wood and Highland Elementary.
Neighborhoods rezoned from Sumeer to Willow Wood Elementary: Bryant Farms and Avilla Springs
The interactive, online zoning map will be released this spring on our district website.
2026-2027 Middle Schools: Melissa ISD’s proposed long-range plan includes operating three 6th-8th grade middle schools as the district continues to grow. Over several months, the Board of Trustees and district leadership carefully evaluated a proposal to open West Cardinal Middle School at the current Sixth Grade Center and restructure both campuses to serve 6th-8th grades for the coming school year. After thoughtful consideration, stakeholder input, and a review of the current financial outlook impacted by recent state legislative changes, the Board, district, and campus leadership have decided to maintain the district’s current middle school structure at this time: East Cardinal Middle Schools and the Sixth Grade Center. This decision ensures resources remain focused on supporting strong academics, athletics, fine arts, and student opportunities while allowing time for responsible planning as the district grows.
Partnering With Our Community
We know growth brings questions. Our goal is always to walk alongside families with consistent communication, opportunities for input, and clear information at each stage. Updates will be shared regularly, and families will have opportunities to attend informational meetings and ask questions. Thank you for supporting Melissa ISD as we continue to build strong schools for our students today and for generations to come.
For questions, please email connect@melissaisd.org.