The schematic designs for two 115,000 square foot elementary campuses slated to go into a possible May 2017 bond got the green light from Hays CISD officials this month.

By a 7-0 vote, the Hays CISD board approved the designs for two campuses that are projected to cost $33.9 million each.

Tim Savoy, Hays CISD public information officer, said the cost of construction in the area, along with rapid growth, has contributed to the price tag.

“The cost of construction in our area is going up dram...