Forney's school bond elections reflected the boom times.

Over a decade, one of the fastest-growing districts in the state proposed and, for the most part, passed increasingly large bond packages to build schools and keep up with a wave of new students.

But that wave has ebbed with the economy, and the district now plans only for renovations and additions, said Dwayne Thompson, the district's chief financial officer.

Residents in the Kaufman County school district are being asked to approve $30 million in bonds in May even though they've got $45 million approved for schools that have never been built.

Forney voters have seen bond proposals as high as $232 million over the years, and even overcame passion and tradition to split their lone high school to accommodate the growth.

At its peak, the district was adding as many as 1,100 students a year, reaching a growth rate of about 20 percent. The district has about 8,000 students, more than triple the enrollment in 1999.

With work in housing developments in the district almost stopped, only about 400 students were added this year, Thompson said. Next year, the district could get as few as 200 new students.

But three years after its last bond election, the district has needs, Thompson said.

The $30 million package includes money for a major addition and renovations to Forney High School. A new cafeteria, kitchen and competition gym would be added and classrooms renovated. The district also plans to buy the former First Baptist Church of Forney and renovate it for use by special programs, including a disciplinary alternative school.

Sports facilities promised to residents after the last bond election would be added at North Forney High School.

No tax increase would be needed if the bonds are approved, Thompson said.

The district still has about $45 million in authorized bond money, Thompson said, but most of that was approved to build new schools that now aren't needed. That money can't be used for the items being proposed now, he said, and will be held until the new schools are needed.