Order of Bond Election approved by Big Spring ISD Board of Trustees
An order calling for a bond election totaling $219,000,000 was approved by Big Spring ISD Board of Trustees Thursday night at their regular meeting. The bond will no be apart of the city and school elections that are set to take place on May 4th.
Those in attendance were given insights and elements of the proposed bond from the Facilities Planning Committee which is composed of Nick Ornelas, Nolan Dominguez, and George Bancroft. The $219,000,000 proposed bond will be broken up into two propositions.
Proposition A is for a total amount of $216,700,000 that will be used to build a brand new high school, abate and demolish the old high school, and add a new band and music hall at Goliad Elementary for fifth and sixth grade students.
Proposition A is also set to cover a new maintenance and transportation shop as well as add turf, bleachers, lighting, and new concessions for the soccer field that is set to be stationed by the ATC. Proposition A is also set to add a drainage system at four elementary campuses, and replace thirty outdated HVAC units.
Proposition B is for the total amount $2,300,000 and is set to be used for field lighting and a 8-lane track to be built at Memorial Stadium. Per Big Spring ISD Superintendent, Jay Mcwilliams the district is required to add the field lighting and an 8-lane track to a separate proposition because the facility holds over 1,000 people, due to new laws in place.
Should the bond pass in the upcoming May 4th election then next year's total tax rate is projected to be at $1.08/$100 valuation (which includes $0.69 for maintenance & operations and $0.39 for interest and sinking). Per the insented formation presented at the meeting this is less than the tax rates in previous years that ranged from $1.12 - $1.42 between 2015 – 2020. Homeowners with
homes valued at $100,000 are not expected to be impacted by the bond after the homestead exemption was recently increased from $40,000 to $100,000.
The average homeowner with a home valued at approximately $150,000 and a homestead exemption is estimated to see an increase of $15.04 per month. For a home worth $200,000 the estimated impact is $26.50 per month, and for a home valued at $300,000 the estimated impact is $53.00 per month.
Early voting will begin on April 22nd and will continue through April 30, 2024. The bond election will be held on May 4th.
Other higlights of the meeting included the recognition of the Big Spring High School Swim Team as they led everyone in attendance in the pledge of allegiance. Also during the meeting, Big Spring High School counselors Taylor Osborn, Morgan Mcwilliams, and Leasa Lowery were recognized as part of National School Counselors Week.
Board Trustee positions for Districts 2, 4, and 6 will be up for election on May 4th. It was noted that the position for District 6 is not a full term. It is only meant to fill a currently vacant position at this time. Whoever wins the race for District 6 will have to run again next year for a full term.