FBISD placing $1.2 billion bond on May election ballot

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Coming off a failed referendum in November that would have kept the thentax rate in place, the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees in a special meeting Thursday called a $1.2 billion bond referendum for the May 6 election.

The bond is designed to fund new construction as well as rebuild some campuses, as well as provide funding for long-deferred maintenance projects across the district.

The special meeting was held after the board postponed a vote on the bond at the end of a marathon meeting on Monday.

The district has not had a bond in five years, and as a result some of its 82 campuses are rated in “critical condition” due to outdated plumbing, roofing, electrical and HVAC systems, according to a FBISD news release.

“The board of trustees is mindful of its responsibility as stewards of taxpayer dollars, and it carefully considered the different bond options,” FBISD Board President Kristen Malone said in the release. “I am excited the board has taken the administration’s recommendation to bring a $1.2 billion bond to voters. This bond will fund rebuilding,