Community members got a look at a proposal to expand band facilities at Mineola High School last Thursday.

The virtual presentation included viewing floor plans and a computer-generated walk through.

The plans include a second band hall adjacent to the current one, which would be renovated, and upgrades to the area behind the stage to benefit both band and fine arts. Additional parking in front of the elementary school, that would benefit both campuses, is also included.

The school board has already viewed the presentation and plans to take up the matter at the August board meeting.

Band director Chris Brannan outlined the need for better facilities for the Mineola band, which is the two-time defending state champion in marching and also the state’s top concert band in its classification.

“The facilities did not match what I saw in these kids and their potential,” he said when he arrived seven years ago. “These kids are incredible.”

The band program has doubled since that time, with a projected 115 students this fall in high school band. It has outgrown the facilities.

The band hall was built in the 1970s when bands were smaller and did not use as much equipment, Brannan said.

Band offers students opportunities for college, he said, and not just for the ones who major in music.

Architect Perry Thompson and construction manager Wes McClure outlined a construction timetable and costs.

Thompson said completing the designs and related testing would be one and a half to two months, and construction would take seven to eight months after that.

Thompson said the entire project estimate is $1.75 million.

Superintendent Cody Mize said the district fund balance of $7.5 million would allow the district to spend $2.5 to $3 million on a project and still maintain adequate funds for projected revenue shortfalls from the pandemic response.