About | Berry Center
top of page

WHY WAS BERRY CENTER BUILT?

The Richard E. Berry Educational Support Center (Berry Center) was built in response to the 2001 Bond Steering Committee's evaluation of the district's need for a multi-purpose facility for instructional activities, convocations, staff training's, graduations, etc.; a second athletic stadium; and a Food Distribution Center for the west-side of the district. The Berry Center was included in the 2001 Bond Election, which was approved by 85% of the voters.

 

WHEN WAS BERRY CENTER OPENED? 

The building was open in time for CFISD graduation ceremonies in May 2006. 

 

HOW MUCH DID IT COST?

The bond authorization budget for Berry Center, the second athletic stadium, and the Food Distribution Center was approximately $84 million. The district saved $4 million in parking lot costs by placing the educational support center and the second athletic stadium on one site.

 

The five facilities comprising the Berry Center – arena, conference center, theater, athletic stadium, and food distribution center – cost $80 million.

 

HOW IS BERRY CENTER USED BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT?

This facility is large enough to accommodate many student and parent activities such as: 11 High School graduations;

 

  • Math and science instructional camps;

 

  • Teacher and staff trainings;

​

  • College and Career Night;

 

  • Horizons (G/T) Showcase;

 

  • UIL performances and competitions;

 

  • Homecoming dances, proms, and after-prom activities;

 

  • Student organization banquets;

 

  • 12 high school athletic schedules;

 

  • District leadership meetings;

 

  • National Merit recognition ceremony;

 

  • Name That Book and Music Memory competitions; and

 

  • PTO, VIPS and booster club events.

 

HOW DOES THE COMMUNITY USE BERRY CENTER?

Examples of outside events include: Graduation ceremonies: Alief ISD, DeVry University, Lone Star College, Kumon, Montessori schools;

 

  • KSBJ and AEG concerts; 

 

  • Houston Family Arts Center; 

 

  • Houston Center Stage Theater; 

 

  • Cirque du Soleil; 

 

  • Second Baptist Church; and 

 

  • Corporate meetings. 

 

HOW DOES BERRY CENTER BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY?

The proximity of the Berry Center increases attendance at student competitions and saves travel and parking expenses for the district parents and supporters.

 

Area businesses (restaurants, stores, etc.) benefit from events such as concerts, graduations and special bookings.

 

Parents and community members save approximately $120,000 annually in parking for graduation ceremonies compared to the Reliant Center.

 

Students save approximately $92,000 annually on prom ticket prices compared to proms held at hotels.

 

Patrons are able to attend other non-district events in their own community; saving on fuel costs and high parking fees, as well as avoiding traffic.

 

 

WHAT IS THE ANNUAL COST TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN BERRY CENTER?

The operational cost for fiscal year 2009-2010 was $3.4 million. 

 

How much revenue does the Berry Center bring in for the district? What district costs are offset by the Berry Center?

The revenue from rentals, catering, and concessions for outside events was $2.35 million for the 2009-2010 school year.

 

These revenues help offset the cost for district events at the Berry Center.

 

The net operational cost was $1.07 million or 0.14% of the district’s operating budget.

 

CFISD estimates $517,000 in cost avoidance in 2009-10 for necessary rental of outside facilities. (Examples: staff events, student instructional activities, college nights and graduations)

 

The food distribution center on the west side of the district provides a cost avoidance of approximately $420,000 per year for the Food Service budget.

 

Parents and students saved $212,000 on graduation parking fees and prom expenses alone.

 

DOES THE DISTRICT PLAN TO EXPAND THE NUMBER OF OUTSIDE USERS?

The district has developed a business plan to increase revenue from outside users in response to a recent management review conducted by a consulting firm.

 

The main purpose for Berry Center is for student, staff, and parent use.

 

When Berry Center is not needed for district events, it is rented for outside use.

 

Currently, the ratio of district to outside events is approximately 65% / 35%.

bottom of page