On Apr. 1, the district held a groundbreaking ceremony at McLaughlin Strickland Elementary. McLaughlin Strickland is undergoing construction improvements paid for with TIF funds. CFBISD is a part of two tax increment finance (TIF) zones in Farmers Branch and one in Irving. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is an economic development tool that uses the projected rise in property tax value within the TIF Zone to finance specific infrastructure and/or development improvements. McLaughlin Strickland will be receiving a new marquee, landscaping improvements, upgrades to plumbing and electrical systems, and new collaboration rooms. The update will include safety and security improvements and updates to the phone and sprinkler system.
School board members and the Superintendent were present at the ceremony, as well as principal DeDe Lacy, Interim President of the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce Kim McCutchan, Farmers Branch City Council member Terry Lynne, Farmers Branch Mayor Pro Tem John Norwood, and Farmers Branch Mayor Robert Dye.
A new instructional wing will be added that will include 8 classrooms. Minor renovations to expand the library and add office space will also be completed. Approximately 21,000 square feet will be added to the campus when renovations are complete.
View more photos from this event in our Flickr gallery
