PATTISON, TEXAS -– March 9, 2026 — Royal Independent School District has finalized the purchase of approximately 143 acres of land that will serve as the future site of the district’s new Royal High School, a project approved by voters as part of the district’s November 2025 bond election.
The site, located northwest of the intersection of FM 362 and McGregor Lane, was acquired after several years of work by district leaders to identify property capable of supporting Royal ISD’s long-term growth. The location was selected following a 2022 demographic study that examined current enrollment trends and projected development across the district.
Initial planning for the site began under Superintendent Rick Kershner’s leadership. Dr. Megan Pape became Royal ISD Superintendent in July 2025, and the Royal ISD Board of Trustees approved authorizing Superintendent Pape to enter into a purchase agreement during the Board’s regular meeting on August 11th. The Board also called for a bond package to fund a new Royal High School at the August 11th meeting.
Royal ISD officially closed on the property on February 25, 2026.
The new comprehensive high school is expected to break ground in summer 2026 and is anticipated to open for students during the 2028–2029 school year. When completed, the campus will serve approximately 3,000 students in grades 9 through 12 and will include modern instructional spaces designed to support academic achievement, expanded career and technical education opportunities, and a wide range of extracurricular programs.
The property also provides flexibility for the district’s long-range facility planning, including space for a future junior high school and a potential stadium to support athletics, fine arts, other student programs and community events.
“This land purchase represents an important step in preparing for the future of Royal ISD,” said Superintendent Dr. Megan Pape. “We are grateful to our community for supporting the November 2025 bond and for recognizing the importance of planning ahead for our growing district. Their support allows us to ensure that Royal students, both today and in the years to come, have access to outstanding educational opportunities.”
Royal ISD is among the fastest-growing districts in the region, with enrollment expected to at least triple over the next decade as new residential development continues throughout the area.
As planning progresses, the Royal ISD Board of Trustees continues to review key project milestones. During a special board meeting on March 2, the Board approved the schematic design and site plan for the future high school campus-which will become the new Royal High School. The Board also approved an updated demographic study, as enrollment trends are already outpacing the numbers projected in the 2022 demographic study.
Voters approved the district’s $356 million bond program in November 2025, which includes construction of the new Royal High School and land acquisition for future school facilities. Additional information about the new high school project and future district facilities will be shared with the community as planning and design efforts continue.