The Frisco ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday to approve the attendance zone for the District’s seventh high school, Independence.

The school will open in August 2014 at 10555 Independence Parkway with students in grades nine, ten and eleven.

Independence will relieve crowding at Centennial, Heritage and Liberty high schools, and affected families will receive information in the coming months to prepare for a successful opening.

In addressing concerns regarding safe travel to Independence crossing Main Street, which will be under construction for some time as part of a widening project by the Texas Department of Transportation, Richard Wilkinson, Deputy Superintendent for Business Services, reported that he had met with the City of Frisco and contacted landowners regarding easements. He stated that there will be no difficulty in finishing the small segments along Main (south) and Independence (east) to provide sidewalk passage for those who may want to ride their bike or walk to school.

Although crossing guards have not been placed by the City for high schools unless part of elementary or middle school crossings, Mr. Wilkinson stated there would be a crosswalk, a pedestrian light and other considerations. He also said he would continue to work with the City regarding safety issues such as speed.

In addition, due to the construction concerns, the Board agreed to have staff look at the possibility of temporary busing for the small number of students south of Main Street who are not bus eligible. A bus is already running in that neighborhood.

Several board members said they felt Main Street was an extreme circumstance, and that transportation considerations would help alleviate safety concerns. 

Independence will offer the same quality and equitable programming and opportunities as other FISD high schools, and students will be able to compete at the varsity level in all extracurricular events in the 2014-15 school year.

Independence Principal Alan Waligura will begin interviewing and hiring key positions such as athletic coordinator and band director early in the spring semester.

The mascot selection process will involve students who will attend Independence High School and will take place early in the spring semester as well.

Read the welcome letter from Mr. Waligura.