Board action follows review of enrollment projections, long-term facility planning, and financial data
PATTISON, TX – February 10, 2026 – The Royal Independent School District (Royal ISD) Board of Trustees voted last night to call a May 2026 bond election that will allow voters to consider funding for a proposed district stadium project as part of the district’s long-term facilities planning. A community-based committee met over several meetings and made a recommendation to the Board for the project. The community-based committee identified the stadium's direct impact on cheer, band, dance, soccer, cross country, football, graduation, special events, among other groups and activities.
The Board’s action took into consideration ongoing enrollment growth in the district and the construction of a new high school campus, which together create an opportunity to align supporting athletic facilities with a growing secondary student population. Royal ISD’s high school serves approximately 1,000 students, and the new high school is being designed to serve approximately 3,000 students.
When the new high school opens, the district expects that students would need to be transported to the existing stadium on Royal Road for athletic events and activities. This approach presents logistical and operational challenges.
Stadium needs have remained unfunded following prior bond elections, leaving the district without a funded, long-term plan for a centralized, UIL and ADA-compliant district wide athletic facility.
The bond proposal placed on the May ballot includes a 7,500-seat stadium located near the new Royal High School site (located along FM 362, south of FM 529, and north of future Morton Road) and designed for district wide use. Planning-level cost estimates for the proposed stadium is approximately $72 million.
“As our district continues to grow, a primary goal of the Board was to look ahead and plan for facilities that serve students and programs across Royal ISD,” said Scott Hartman, President of the Royal ISD Board of Trustees. “Calling a bond election gives our community the opportunity to review the proposed stadium project in full and determine whether it aligns with the district’s long-term needs.”
The bond election is scheduled to be held on May 2, 2026 with early voting set for April 20 - April 28, 2026.
There will be an additional community meeting in the coming weeks to discuss details of the project and review amenities. If you are interested in participating, please contact Gracie Espinoza at gespinoza@royal-isd.net. Royal ISD will provide additional information related to the bond election, including project details, estimated costs, and tax impact, as information becomes available at royal-isd.net/o/royal-isd/page/2026bond.
About Royal ISD
Royal Independent School District is a public school district located in southern Waller County, approximately eight miles west of Katy, Texas. The district serves more than 3,100 students across six campuses and offers a range of academic programs, including Early College High School, Career and Technical Education, fine arts, and STEM-focused instruction.
Royal ISD is experiencing enrollment growth and serves communities across Waller County. More information on the district is available at www.royal-isd.net.