PGISD bond largely favored by voters

The $39.9 million will fund many projects, including a new cafeteria, field house, renovations and more

NEW BOSTON, Texas — Pleasant Grove Independent School District now has the money it needs for a host of campus improvements.

Voters approved a $39.9 million bond in Saturday’s election. The final count was 843 votes for and 577 votes against the bond.

Ballots were counted at Bowie County Courthouse

Superintendent Chad Pirtle on Saturday said the bond would ensure the future of the district.

“The bond encompasses many areas of our district including academics, fine arts, athletics, district common spaces and libraries among other areas,” Pirtle said. “Approximately 85% of our current students and all future PGISD students will be impacted by the bond.”

The district’s Board of Trustees unanimously called the May 7 bond election during a special meeting in February to address facility needs.

The district was able to propose the bond without an increase on the current tax rate of $1.3615 because of rising property rates. Additionally, Director of Finance Derick Sibley said the district saved approximately $4.3 million in taxpayer money by refunding bonds in 2014 and 2020.

The bond election was the culminated the work of a committee created to explore ways to improve PGISD facilities with raising taxes. The committee comprised district administration, board members, staff members and community members.

The committee met six times from November through February and recommended the following improvements:

• New high school cafeteria

• Remodeling the current cafeteria into the College and Career Counseling Center

• Additions to the high school performing arts center (scene shop and storage) and sound booth relocation

• New high school field house, including classroom space, boys and girls locker rooms, and sports medicine facilities

• New high school base

ball/softball/track complex at Pleasant Grove High School

• High school renovations in the library, restrooms, hallways and common areas

• Significant renovations to Pleasant Grove Middle School, including improved functionalities, roof, HVAC, interior and exterior updates

• Intermediate school classroom addition

• Intermediate school renovations to library and general interior/exterior updates

Margaret Fischer Davis Elementary, the district’s newest campus, does not need significant repairs or improvements.