81°
71º | 85°
72° | 78°
The Houston Independent School District (ISD) Board of Managers voted unanimously on Thursday to place a $4.4 billion bond proposal for the school district on the November 5 ballot. About half of the amount would be used to rebuild over 40 aging elementary and middle schools and renovate several others.
In an August 8 letter, nine local civic organizations urged the board to place the bond proposal on the ballot for the upcoming election. They told the board that urban school districts request bond approval every five years, but Houston ISD has not asked since 2012. The last approved bond was almost 20 years ago.
"Studies have shown that school building conditions can impact student academic outcomes. Poor facility quality can result in decreased student attendance, chronic absenteeism, and lower student achievement," the organizations stated in the letter. "Our students deserve learning environments conducive to learning. Yet, we’ve seen the headlines exposing dilapidated school conditions."
In the letter, Emerge, Good Reason Houston, ProUnitas Inc., The Education Trust in Texas, and Houston Region Business Coalition among others cited a Houston Chronicle report on how nearly all Houston ISD school campuses failed to meet indoor quality standards. Some schools have lead in the drinking water, abnormal carbon dioxide levels, and airborne contaminants.
"Houston ISD is long overdue for a significant investment in its students through investment in its school infrastructure," stated the letter. "Importantly, it is worth emphasizing that this bond will not necessitate a tax increase."
According to a report by Houston Public Media, in addition to $2.05 billion to rebuild campuses, the district proposes spending $1.35 billion on safety and security upgrades, which includes removing lead and mold, replacing HVAC systems, and creating single points of entry at all 274 schools. The proposal also includes $1 billion for technology upgrades.