Bond Referendum Proposed for May Election

Bo nd Proposed for May Election Refe rend u

by Brooke Ezzo

Northwest Independent School District is one of the fastest-growing school districts in the state. During the February 10 board meeting, the Northwest Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a bond referendum to accommodate the fast-paced growth.

To prepare for the number of students projected to be enrolled over the next five years, the district’s Long-Range Planning Committee recommended a bond referendum proposing significant renovations and expansion within the district. The bond referendum would add three new elementary schools, one new middle school, and three replacement schools. It would also offer other facility updates, capital improvements, and programs throughout the district with no increase to the district tax rate, according to NISD officials. Northwest ISD enrolls more than 1,000 students annually within its boundaries, which spans three counties and 12 municipalities. Projects included in the bond referendum are expected to assist with enrollment projections for the next five years. Major items in the bond proposal include four new schools, replacement schools for Pike Middle, Seven Hills Elementary, and Hatfield Elementary, a renovation and expansion of Northwest High School, expansion of Nance Elementary, and elementary classroom additions to create full-day pre-kindergarten classes throughout the district. Other items

include new technologies such as devices, data center and

fiber upgrades, and updates to school cameras and cyber security. Voters are encouraged to get to the polls on May 2 to vote on a number of projects that will help with the districts’ needs. In compliance with new state laws that took effect in September 2019, the 2020 bond package will be presented to voters as four separate ballot propositions. • Proposition A: will include new schools and school expansions, facility updates, and capital improvements equaling $937.7 million. • Proposition B: will include funds for recreational facilities; middle school EA RLY VOTING Apr il 20-28 Electi on Day May 2

tennis courts and fields used for football and soccer, as well as high school baseball, softball, and tennis facilities. Estimated at $23.5 million. Proposition C: updating the NISD stadium and Texas Stadium. Estimated at $8.8 million.

• Proposition D: funds for providing technology devices for teachers and students. The district currently issues laptops and iPads to teachers and a Chromebook in secondary education campuses. This proposition will grant grades 3-5 access to a class set of Chromebooks, and students in K-2 access to shared Chromebooks. Estimated at $16.4 million.

The total amount of the capital bond referendum is $986.6 million.

According to the Northwest ISD website, because of additional residential and retail development within the district’s boundaries there will be no change to the current tax rate. Which is the lowest it has been since 2013.

Voters have from April 20-28 to cast early voting ballots, or they can cast ballots on Election Day, Saturday, May 2. If you are new to the area make sure you check your voter registration to ensure the correct address in on file.