An Allen school district bond committee has come up with a list of $350 million in projects deemed "critical" to district operations.

That's nearly $100 million more than the district's estimated current bond capacity – the maximum debt the district can undertake.

The school board will probably whittle down the list of top priorities – and possibly add a few of its own – before calling a November bond election.

The most expensive project deemed critical is a proposed 20,000-seat stadium with a price tag of more than $65 million.

"I'm in sticker shock," school board President Victoria Sublette said after hearing the cost of the stadium last week.

Other recommended projects include two new schools, building additions and renovations.

Trustees could authorize a ballot that gives voters the option of approving some proposals but not others, such as what Lewisville ISD is doing in Saturday's election. Trustees there opted to break out a proposal for a $79 million special events center, leaving separate a proposition for $697.7 million for various improvements, including new schools and a new stadium.

Ms. Sublette said she's certain that Allen ISD's proposed stadium would be on a separate proposal.

Allen ISD Superintendent Ken Helvey said recently that the school district puts parity among schools as a top priority and encouraged the board to remember that when prioritizing projects.

"I think if you were to put a brand name on Allen, at least one thing that would come out of that brand name is great facilities," he said.

Still, board member Jayne Grimes said the board must assure voters that the eventual ballot won't include extravagant proposals.

"We're not talking about Jerry Jones' deal," Don McDermitt, leader of the athletics bond subcommittee, said of the suggested stadium in relation to the billion-dollar Dallas Cowboys stadium under construction in Arlington.

Mr. McDermitt said the school district has the best facilities in the state – except for a stadium. "We've got a third-class stadium," he said.

Overall, recommended athletic facilities, including the addition of a new gym at Curtis Middle School and renovation of an existing one at the campus, make up slightly less than 20 percent of the most crucial needs identified by the bond committee, which is made up of trustee appointees and volunteers.

The school board has until Aug. 26 to call for a November bond election.