The Prosper school district faces controversy over a proposed $94 million high school football stadium, questioning the use of tax dollars, according to an NPR article. They say, 

“Good morning. I’m A Martínez. How much is too much to spend on a high school football stadium? The Prosper school district in Texas has proposed plans for a new stadium – the price, $94 million. Their current stadium reportedly only cost 53 mill. Some locals are unhappy about the potential use of tax dollars for the project. But you know what Coach Taylor says on Friday nights, under the lights in Texas – clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.”

The Prosper school district’s proposed second stadium with a smaller capacity is a strategic response to rapid growth, serving both Prosper and neighboring towns. Their defense in building this anticipates future needs, according to a Dallas Morning News article. They say, 

“If the district already has a 12,000-seat Children’s Health Stadium that cost $53 million, why does it need a second stadium with an 8,000-seat capacity?

School district officials say they are thinking ahead. Prosper is among the fastest-growing school districts in Texas. The city of Prosper, north of Dallas, is a small town with just under 38,000 residents. But the school district serves not only all of Prosper but also parts of equally fast-growing McKinney, Celina, Frisco and Aubrey.”

The Prosper school district faces hurdles in gaining stadium approval due to state law language requirements. Despite the $2.8 billion bond, no new tax increase is expected, according to the district. Prosper ISD already owes $1.6 billion in debt from prior bonds.