City of Waco & Waco ISD Announce Joint Meeting

Last updated on October 01, 2025 at 05:00 PM

City of Waco and Waco ISD Announce Joint Meeting to Consider Indian Springs Middle School Property Agreement

The City of Waco and Waco Independent School District (Waco ISD) have announced a joint meeting to consider a landmark agreement regarding the former Indian Springs Middle School property. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 6:00 pm in the Bosque Theater at the Waco Convention Center.

Under the proposed purchase and sale agreement, the City of Waco would purchase approximately 22.8 acres of property located at 500 N. University Parks Drive and 324 Jefferson Ave for $32.2 million.

With the City’s vision in the downtown redevelopment project, this property plays a vital role in shaping public spaces, connecting neighborhoods, and fostering economic growth. The City is committed to preserving the spirit of Indian Springs’ site through thoughtful planning that reflects the site’s heritage while meeting the community’s future needs.

The City of Waco will work closely with community members, Waco ISD, and local partners to ensure that the redevelopment of the Indian Springs site celebrates its historical importance and creates opportunities that benefit residents across Waco.

This partnership underscores the City’s and Waco ISD’s shared belief that Waco’s strength lies in honoring its roots while embracing a future of momentum and growth.

The additional agreements under consideration include:

• Lease agreement through March 31, 2026, affording Waco ISD an extended move-out period at a nominal rent, with salvage rights at lease-end.
• Interlocal agreement between the City and Waco ISD to strengthen long-term collaboration. Highlights include:
  • Use of Downtown Venues: Waco ISD will have discounted access to Foster Pavilion for up to two annual graduation events through 2037, and to the Waco Convention Center for up to five annual events, such as proms, convocations, and the State-of-the-District address, under the City’s rights at these venues.
  • Student Learning Experiences: The City of Waco will host 2-6 structured student learning experiences per year for the next decade, offering behind-the-scenes exposure to City projects and real-world career paths.
  • Internship and Externship Opportunities: The City of Waco will provide a minimum of 10 combined annual student internships and teacher externships across diverse fields such as business, engineering, hospitality, digital design, cybersecurity, and public service.
  • Public Outreach and Legacy Preservation: The City and Waco ISD will ensure the history of the Indian Springs Middle School site, the legacy of A.J. Moore, and the voices of the alumni are incorporated into the Downtown Redevelopment Project’s design and storytelling.

“This agreement reflects more than a land purchase,” said Waco Mayor Jim Holmes. “This partnership ensures the site remains a meaningful part of Waco’s story. As we reimagine downtown, this property will serve as a bridge between generations—honoring the past while creating spaces that invite connection, innovation, and progress for decades to come.”

Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer added, “Indian Springs has stood as a place of learning and opportunity for generations of Waco families. It has deep roots in our community. As we pass it forward, we are proud that it will continue to contribute to Waco’s future in a meaningful way that is also fiscally responsible during this time of uncertainty in public education funding. Through the Interlocal Agreement, our students and staff will also have new opportunities to learn, explore careers, and see themselves as part of Waco’s future.”

The proposed purchase aligns with the City’s Downtown Master Development Strategic Roadmap, which established a 12–20 year vision for downtown redevelopment. The Indian Springs Middle School property lies within the Barron’s Branch District, identified as a critical starting point for activating public spaces, reducing vacancy, and reinvesting in the historic heart of Waco.

If approved by both governing bodies at the joint meeting, the City anticipates closing on the property by November 14, 2025.

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