FBISD entered into a contract to buy 77 acres of land on which to build Fort Bend Independent School District's 11th high school. The land is being purchased from HW Sienna L.P. Hillwood Development of Dallas.

At a May 22 emergency board meeting they cancelled the district's contract with Hillwood Development. At a June 9 meeting they voted to approve an amended agreement. The search for land in the southeast quadrant of the district began after the redistricting process from 2006. Redistricting showed the growth of the district and necessity for another high school in the area. This was necessary to relieve severe overcrowding at Hightower and Elkins, and accommodate all the new growth in Sienna Plantation S.

The projected opening date for the new high school campus is August 2010. FBISD describes this deadline as very critical. Since the redistricting, the district has made several attempts to approach developers in the area to consider different parcels of land for a new proposed high school.

The district initially purchased a parcel on FM 521. Later Hillwood Development property became available at a higher price. FBISD reviewed both parcels and because one had a much higher price. The board spent several months negotiating with Hillwood Development as the contract got more complicated. It took a number of entities to put this contract together. In the process the district saved almost $5 million because the contract ensures timely completion and the commitment of all parties.

A FBISD spokesperson said everything is down on paper in terms of timely completion and it's a Sienna/Johnson supported deal. Hillwood Development will ensure there are access roads, bridges, drainage.

The contract is for $3.4 million for land south of Sienna Plantation. As for the property trustees bought on FM 521, the district plans to retain it for now for and future need for some other schools.