Spring ISD Voters to Decide Fate of $330 Million Bond Package in November

SPRING, TX -- Voters in Spring ISD will not just be helping to choose the next president of the United States when the go to the polls in November, they will also be deciding the fate of a $330 million bond package.

The district has hosted several community meetings at campuses throughout the district to share bond information, and is planning others as early voting begins.

In May, the district leadership began researching whether or not a bond proposal would be possible, or even accepted by voters in the district.

Trustees approved a resolution to have the bond referendum placed on the Nov. 8 ballot during the regular board meeting on Aug. 9.

"We have really listened to the community, regarding some of the needs that we have," said Spring ISD Superintendent Rodney Watson.

The district conducted online surveys of parents and staff, and held several workshops with the board of trustees to present their information.

The Houston Chronicle reported that in June, the board of trustees received information on districts needs from Spring ISD Chief Operations Officer Mark Miranda, which included information obtained through an online survey conducted by Austin-based Baselice and Associates, a demographic study conducted in 2015, and a study of the finances presented by Chief Financial Officer Ann Westbrooks.

Some of the district needs that would come with that bond passage include: Two new middle schools; development of three ninth-grade centers at each of the district's comprehensive high schools; renovations to Roberson Middle School for Westfield High School's ninth-graders;
construction of a district-wide stadium for football, soccer, band and related activities; construction of a new police command center; Improvements to core technology, including improved connectivity, enhanced infrastructure and a new telephone system as well as additional instructional and classroom technology.

Safety and security are also part of the package, and including digital surveillance systems, backup generators and security upgrades; Transportation with the replacement of 45 outdated buses and expanding bus service for students who live within a mile of their campus

If the bond passes, taxpayers in Spring ISD would likely see a slight tax increase within the next two years.

The last time voters in Spring ISD passed a bond was in May 2007; a $280 million package that resulted in six new elementary schools, a replacement school for Bammel Elementary, an addition and renovation at Link Elementary, a new warehouse and child nutrition facility, a new transportation and maintenance facility, buses, technology infrastructure, safety and security, egress and accessibility at existing facilities, renovation of the Spring High auditorium, capital improvements at other existing facilities, turf replacement at Leonard George Stadium and land and a design for a fourth comprehensive high school.

De'Monica Amerson,the principal at Spring ISD’s Claughton Middle School, who also grew up attending Spring ISD schools, told the board of trustees in August that she wants to see greater change.

"This bond is important because it's going to put our kids in a place…where they can excel academically," said. "This is important because we have to teach them that they matter. I am vested here, and I believe in Spring ISD, because Spring ISD believed in me."

To learn more, visit the bond steering committee page online at www.springisd.org/steering

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