Denton ISD and Town of Cross Roads Announce Partnership

Denton ISD, Town of Cross Roads Partner to Provide Community Enhancements through Historic Agreement

(Cross Roads, Texas – January 2, 2024) – Denton ISD and the Town of Cross Roads have entered into a partnership that will provide enhancements for the community with the district’s addition of its fifth high school and second advanced technology center, after more than a year of discussions.

The new high school and advanced technology center will both be located in Cross Roads, creating a partnership believed to be the first of its kind in Texas, in that the district is collaborating with the town to create a community-based concept that supports the Cross Roads Town Vision 2035.   A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been approved by both entities that outlines plans to collaborate on these projects. The goal for both entities is to maximize the investment in the new facilities by creating a state-of-the-art high School and CTE that benefits both the students and the surrounding community.

“We understand that school is a key component of a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Jamie Wilson, Denton ISD Superintendent of Schools. “Work-life balance is paramount, and through this partnership with the Town of Cross Roads, we are excited to work together and provide multiple features that will elevate the community.”

As part of the partnership, approximately 32 acres near the southeast corner of US 380 and Naylor Road will be managed through joint ownership between the two entities to be developed as a town center with retail, restaurant and entertainment amenities and a future government center located on 2.5 acres in the middle of the development.  This project will provide sales tax revenue to the town and property tax revenue to the school district.

“I am excited to announce this joint partnership that includes significant elements from the Cross Roads Vision 2035 plan adopted in 2021,” stated Cross Roads Mayor T. Lynn Tompkins, Jr.  “The agreement addresses many of the highest priorities in our vision including ultimate plans for a variety of restaurant and retail uses as well as space for public events and walking trails.  This project will increase our revenue stream to continue to protect our municipal property tax free status.”

To enhance this project a new east/west collector road will be constructed utilizing Denton County Road Bond funds approved as part of the TRIP ‘22 Road Bond election passed in November 2022.

Additionally, this partnership includes opportunities for collaboration on the uses of the Burgoon-Martin Agriculture Science Center at Star Ranch, located off Fishtrap Road in Cross Roads.  In 2023, DISD partnered with Cross Roads to host the first Founder’s Day Festival and in recognition of the Town Vision 2035 Plan, Denton ISD plans to develop a community garden for use when students are not present.

For more details, including the Memorandum of Understanding visit the DISD Partnership page.