TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 1
FRIDAY, April 1, 2022
FOCUS ON
BUSINESS
Temple Chamber Board Endorses BISD and TISD School Bonds
Temple Chamber Staff The Temple Chamber Board of Directors recently announced the endorsement of the Belton Independent School District and Temple Independent School District May 2022 school bond elections.
APRIL 2022 SPIRIT OF SANTA FE TRAIL April 1-3, 2022
templechamber.com/spiritofsantafe centraltexastickets.com
THIRD HOUSE SESSION Monday, April 4, 2022 7:00 am
The Belton ISD bond consists of Proposition A for $168.8 million and Proposition B for $5 million. When one takes the time to look at the details surrounding the BISD request, one quickly concludes the requests are the most prudent and reasonable approach to tackling the needs of this fast-growing ISD. It is significant to note the BISD tax rate will not increase as a result of these proposals, primarily due to new rooftops and increased property valuation. The district through responsible financial management and practices has also passed savings onto residents by lowering the tax rate by 24 cents since 2018 and recently saved taxpayers $4 million through bond refinancing.
Register at templechamber.com/events
BUSINESS LINK LUNCH Thursday, April 14, 2022 12:00 pm
Sponsored by First Community Title Register at templechamber.com/events
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, April 21, 2022 5:00 pm
Sponsored by Downtown Temple Learn more at templechamber.com/events
BISD’s Proposition A will address three essential areas: (1) growth and capacity needs; (2) safety and security upgrades; and, (3) aging facilities to provide equitable facilities district-wide. The population growth in central Texas equates to higher enrollment in BISD with expectations of adding 3,100 students over the next 5 years. This accelerated growth exacerbates already overcrowded BISD campuses – two elementary schools are over capacity – and highlights the need to build new schools. The district also needs to bring many of its current facilities, which are aging and in need of capital repairs, to similar standards as the district’s newer campuses. BISD’s Proposition B will provide new technology devices and equipment for students, teachers, and staff. The COVID-19 pandemic proved how critical having access to technology and devices is to our dayto-day lives and the role it plays in student learning.
TempleChamber.com
The Temple ISD bond is for $164.8 million. We applaud TISD for utilizing a textbook example of transparency, community engagement, and communicating the details
on “why” this action is critical. Temple is a growing community and with growth comes the need for improved and enhanced infrastructure, including our schools.
The numbers are showing the necessity for a new elementary school to serve the southwest quadrant of our community, as well as the addition of 12 classrooms across three campuses. We agree that TISD must focus on safety, security, student programs, and aging facilities to take care of existing families. Some of the projects outlined include: eliminate the remaining 20 portables; complete security vestibule projects at 3 campuses; complete fire suppression systems and alarm upgrades; create a backup site for technology; provide sidewalk, pavement & lighting improvements; replace/renovate Auxiliary Services Center at the current site; providing middle school athletic competition facilities; improve the THS Fine Arts Auditorium; complete the Meredith-Dunbar Fine Arts Auditorium; and improve upon the Career Technical Education Agriculture facility. TISD has been a good steward of the tax dollar, having lowered the tax rate by 16.5 cents since 2018, due to efficient financial accounting processes.
Though the economic forecast with current geopolitical events is uncertain, actions now to invest in all of our students will pay dividends in both Belton ISD and Temple ISD to be able to continue to grow a skilled labor force in our community, and shepherd students to lifelong careers that provide excellent pay and ongoing support of the robust Central Texas economy. We encourage all residents to become familiar with the provisions of both bond elections by visiting www.beltonisd.net and www.tisd.org/apps/pages/2022bond.
Early Voting April 25-29 and May 2-3 | 7am to 7pm Election Day May 7 | 7am to 7pm www.bellcountytx.com/departments/elections/election_day_locations
FRIDAY, April 1, 2022
2 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM
March Renewing Chamber Members A New Day Fellowship Church Almost Home Pet Resort Belfair Development, Inc. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Texas Realty Bulls Financial Group Cargill Inc. Carothers Executive Homes Congressman John R. Carter - Texas 31 CTWP DuBois Furniture, Inc. Everest Rehabilitation Hospital EZ Tire Pros Grand Avenue Theater Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors Jack Hilliard Distributing Co., Inc. House of Floors Interim Healthcare Keller Williams Realty - Ryan Smith Home Selling Team Lake Belton High School Athletic Booster Club
March New Chamber Members
Locals Love Us - Temple-Belton Lone Star Ag Credit Mac Haik Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep Mitchell Construction Mt. Zion Baptist Church Nazareth House-Magnificat Center Pack ‘N’ Mail Paperdoodles Prater & Ridley, Attorneys Professional Datasolutions, Inc. Raising Cane’s RE/MAX Temple-Belton Realtors Redeemer Presbyterian Church Rural Rental Housing Assoc. of Texas Silo of Screams Haunted Attractions The Ronald McDonald House University of Phoenix Walker Honey Farm, LLC Wings Pizza N Things
Cha Community Devin Li | (254) 313-8408 7 North Main Street Temple, TX 76501 www.chacommunity.com Coffee Shop
Ras Kitchen Norris Barr | (254) 833-9333 17 North Main Street Temple, TX 76501 www.raskitchentx.com Restaurants
Glen Bowen Temple, TX Retiree
The Joint Chiropractic Organization Drew Perkins | (254) 239-5302 3038 South 31st Street Temple, TX 76502 www.thejoint.com/texas/temple Chiropractors
JTL Appraisals Amy Brown | (254) 500-7464 18 South Main Street Suite 814 Temple, TX 76502 Homeownership Services Livin’ Wright Emilie Wright | (254) 598-5621 1 East Central Temple, TX 76501 www.livinwright.com Skin Care & Services
First Friday is Tonight - April 1, 2022 City of Temple
Visit Downtown Temple for First Friday tonight, April 1, 2022. You won’t want to miss an evening of late-night shopping, fantastic food, cold drinks, and live music. Keep it local in Downtown Temple! For a full list of downtown specials visit downtowntemple.com/first-friday.
TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 3
FRIDAY, April 1, 2022
Leadership Temple Class of 2023: Accepting Applications
Temple Chamber Staff The Temple Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the Leadership Temple Class of 2023.
Leadership Temple is a professional development and education program that surveys the inner workings of Temple and Central Texas. The program helps both current and emerging leaders understand the dynamics of the community and the role leadership plays in its long-term success. “Leadership Temple is one of the greatest assets Temple has,” noted Tyler Jermstad, Leadership Temple Class of 2016. “The program afforded me the opportunity to see how the community works from an entirely new perspective. Each experience I had as a participant was incredibly impactful and helped me grow as a leader and professional. There are things I got to see and do that I would never have been able to do if not for the program. I also built relationships that will last a lifetime. I recommend Leadership Temple to anyone looking to im-
prove themselves and their understanding of our wonderful city!” The 9-month program has class sessions once a month, and topics covered include City, County, and State Government, Education, Fort Hood, Public Safety, Economic Development, Social Services, and Healthcare. The program facilitates opportunities for dialogue among participants and current community, business, and non-profit leaders. It also encourages participants to engage in activities that contribute to the growth and betterment of the community. Further details about the program, including the application, are available at www.templechamber.com/leadershiptemple. Applications are due Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
Don’t Mess With Texas Trash-Off Great American Cleanup Begins Tanya Gray, Keep Temple Beautiful
Keep Temple Beautiful invites the community to get involved in the Don’t Mess With Texas Trash-Off/Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 8am to 2pm. The Don’t Mess With Texas Trash-Off is the state’s signature event for Keep America Beautiful’s nationwide Great American Cleanup program. This April thousands of volunteers in cities all across Texas will be participating in Trash-Offs with the mission to make Texas the cleanest most beautiful state in the nation.
up litter. As a litter cleanup initiative it is designed to aesthetically improve our environment by creating cleaner parks, streetscapes and public spaces through litter removal and elimination. Litter only attracts more litter but as a community we have the power to change that more so now than ever through participating in the Don’t Mess With Texas Trash-Off Great American Cleanup. Sign-up your group today!
Your participation in this virtual cleanup provides residents safety who wish to participate in smaller groups. Virtual volunteers should pick a safe location to conduct their own cleanups. To sign-up, please send an email to tanya@keeptemplebeautiful.org or call (254) 493-4000. After your cleanup is completed, your group should share on their social media accounts the following: 1. 2. 3. 4.
A picture of the group The number of volunteers The total hours of participation Total number of trash and/or recycling bags collected
Posts can be shared on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #KeepTempleBeautifulTrashOff. If you are in need of cleanup supplies – trash bags or gloves just give Keep Temple Beautiful a call. This nationwide event promotes shared community responsibility by picking
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FRIDAY, April 1, 2022
4 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM
Everything You Need to Know: Upcoming Belton ISD Bond Election Dear Citizens of Belton ISD,
On February 15, 2022, the Belton ISD Board of Trustees voted to call a $173.825 million bond election for May 7, 2022. After an extensive study by the BISD Bond Exploration Committee on whether a bond election was needed, the timing of the bond elections, the priorities of projects to consider, and the overall dollar amount. Propositions A & B were determined to reflect the needs of the district. Why should you vote FOR the bond?
1.to Accommodate Growth
More Facilities are Needed
Like all of Central Texas, BISD is growing. The district is projected to grow by at least 700 students per year. The largest elementary schools in the district are built to serve 800. That means there are almost enough students to fill a new elementary school every year. This bond will provide funds to construct a new elementary in the northern part of the district in West Temple near Airport Road and the southern part of the district on Holland Road. Also, there would be a learning space added to Southwest Elementary. These new students are across all grades, so not all growth needs are in elementary. Funds would also be used to purchase land for future schools. This bond would also allow for the construction of a new band hall at Belton High, add space for Career and Technical Education at Belton High School and Belton New Tech High School @ Waskow, and add a new Delta program facility at Belton High School. The Delta program serves special needs students by teaching them life and job skills to prepare them for life after school. There would also be an expansion of the district’s Ag Facility. This facility supports both Belton High School and Lake Belton High School ag programs, the fifth-largest ag program in the state. The facility is currently at capacity and has a waiting list for students. At Lake Belton Middle School was space would be added for fine arts and other areas to allow it to better serve the Middle School grades. With this growth, also comes the need for more buses that would be purchased with funds from this bond.
ties, we need to continue this so that our facilities can serve us well for years to come. This bond would allow for many repairs and upgrades to roofing, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing at some of our aging facilities.
4. &
Safety
Security The safety of our students and staff is very important to us all. This bond will provide for many safety and security upgrades including adding security vestibules, intercom repair, exterior lighting, security cameras, perimeter fencing, playground fall protection, and more.
5. Rate Increase No Tax
Belton ISD’s tax rate will not increase as a result of the bond. This is achieved in several ways. Notably, the board has saved $4 million through bond refinancing. Also, with the growth mentioned above, comes new homes and businesses that add to our tax base. In addition, rising property values bring additional funds without raising the tax rate. However, by law, for every Texas school district bond, the ballot must read, “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE,” even if it does not increase the tax rate. Central Texas is one of the fastest-growing and most robust economies in the country. A large part of what makes our area attractive is our excellent schools.
2.
The growth requires us to grow both in footprint and innovation to keep that reputation. We must continue to provide the district with the tools it needs to prepare our students for life and careers in this new high-tech community.
Some of our current space requires upgrades to accommodate our changing needs. Today’s students must be prepared for a new and ever-changing hightech workplace and world.
More detailed information as well as a schedule of community presentations on the bond may be found at beltonisdbond.net. The Chamber office is a distributor of yard signs, stop by and pick one up to show your support.
Proposition A has items that will provide for upgrades to some of our current facilities to allow the district to better allow students to be successful.
Vote Yes for Kids in BISD!
Each Student Having Access to Exceptional Learning
Proposition B would provide for Technology Equipment, including computing devices for students, teachers, and staff.
3.Aging Facilities Taking Care of
Also, while our district has done a great job maintaining our existing facili-
The Vote YES For BISD 22 PAC
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TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 5
FRIDAY, April 1, 2022
Everything You Need to Know: Upcoming Temple ISD Bond Election Dear Citizens of Temple ISD,
On February 18, 2022, the Temple Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted to call a $164.8 million bond referendum for voter consideration in the May 7, 2022, election. This bond package is reflective of community feedback received from a $184.9 million November 2, 2021, TISD bond referendum which was unsuccessful … by two votes! TISD did their due diligence to understand and obtain community input and repackaged the bond to align with 4 main community directives: growth, safety/security, student programs, and aging facilities. So, what is different with this bond package and why should you vote for this bond?
Projects • • • • •
New Fine Arts Academy Elementary School - to include theater and orchestra programs 12 Classroom Additions at Scott Elementary (4), Bonham Middle School (4) and Temple High School (4) New Auxiliary Service Building - to include food services, maintenance, and transportation Elimination of all Portable Classrooms District Safety and Security Upgrades
Needs Haven’t Changed
A 2021 demographic report confirmed that Southeast Temple is growing at an accelerated rate. The two existing elementary schools supporting Southeast Temple will be over capacity in the next two years which will lead to; overcrowding, additional portable classrooms, and/or rezoning. Portable classrooms are something this bond is looking to eliminate. The proposed 12 classroom additions at Scott Elementary (4), Bonham Middle School (4) and Temple High School (4) get every student out of “temporary” classrooms and into “real” classrooms. Raye-Allen Elementary, Hector P. Garcia Elementary, and Kennedy-Powell Elementary do not have secured front entries. These elementaries need to be safe and secure for our students and staff. It is unacceptable to have some elementary schools with proper security and others without. TISD has identified these projects as top priorities and need bond funds to complete these projects. While the district does a good job of maintaining its facilities, most facilities within Temple ISD are over 30 years old, and this bond proposal will allow for necessary repairs and upgrades to include roofing, HVAC, plumbing, kitchen, and electrical systems to keep the schools in good condition as they age. Protecting our investment in our schools with these improvements will ensure we get the most for our dollars by extending the life and use of our buildings.
Fiscal responsibility
Temple is growing and we can either choose to be proactive or reactive. The longer these decisions are put off the more expensive these decisions become. The state of Texas does not currently help pay for the construction of new school facilities. Texas law permits Temple ISD to determine its tax rate for debt service to pay for educational facilities. The proposed $164.8 million TISD bond is estimated to raise the tax rate by less than 3 cents which would equate to $1.48 month per month per $100,000 evaluation. Additionally, existing state law freezes property taxes paid by homeowners 65 years of age or older. Seniors who file their exemption would not have to pay any additional taxes associated with this bond. It’s important to note that under the leadership of Temple ISD’s current board the TISD tax rate has dropped more than 16 cents in the last three years. Wise decisions have been made with your tax dollars.
Temple ISD is committed to transparent communication
Based on feedback from the community, TISD eliminated 7 projects from the repackaged May Bond reducing the overall bond amount by $20 million. Included in the reduced scope was the elimination of the Wildcat Stadium project. Simply put – TISD heard you. Further Temple ISD delivers on its promises when it comes to bonds. The last two bond packages were delivered on time and on budget. This bond proposal was unanimously supported by the Temple ISD Board of Trustees who were recognized as the Texas Region 12 School Board of the year in 2020.
Great schools make great communities
This bond proposal will be used to continue improving education in Temple ISD that will produce an educated workforce, which in turn attracts new businesses, good paying jobs, and a growing tax base. The Central Texas community is frequently recognized as one of the fastest growing and stable economies in the United States. I applaud TISD in the development of programs that address the dreams and aspirations of all students as they prepare to enter the workforce. Students graduating from TISD are ready to hit the ground running to satisfy a growing need for skilled labor in our community and, most importantly, establish lifelong careers that provide excellent pay and ongoing support of the robust Central Texas economy.
Temple ISD needs our help
I am proud to live and work in a community that strongly supports the next generation of leaders. The Temple Chamber of Commerce stands firmly in support of the Temple Independent School District 2022 Bond, and I respectfully ask for your support as well. For additional information visit the TISD website at www.tisd.org/bond2022/. Please stop by the Chamber office to pick up a yard sign to showcase your support. VOTE YES FOR OUR KIDS,
Steve Wright
Former TSD Board Member, Vote YES For Our Kids PAC Chair, Local Business Owner
FRIDAY, April 1, 2022
6 / TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM
RIBBON
CUTTING BitBar Temple Retro Arcade Bar - Unlimited FREE PLAY on all of our Classic 80’s & 90’s Arcade Machines. Enjoy an adult beverage as you take a trip down memory lane with your favorite games!
Johnny Huang
2501 Airport Road, Ste. B Temple, TX 76504 www.bitbartemple.com
Heart to Heart Hospice Heart to Heart Hospice was established in Plano, Texas, in 2003. Our founder, who continues to lead the organization today, believes in a philosophy of care based on compassion. That belief remains our guiding force. We provide a compassionate, patientcentered approach to medical care and supportive services for patients at the end of life, as well as for their family members. Heart to Heart Hospice partners with medical professionals, physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities and insurers to deliver the care that patients and families deserve and to educate communities on end-of-life care.
Kerri Doggett
990 Marlandwood Rd. Temple, TX 76502
(254) 493-8448
www.hearttohearthospice.com
FRIDAY, April 1, 2022
TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM / 7
Leadership Temple Day at the State Capitol
Leadership Temple Class of 2022 At the beginning of March, the Leadership Temple Class of 2022 participated in State Day to gain insight into the governmental processes at the state level. The group spent the day in Austin at the state Capitol with state agencies and elected officials.
The Texas State Capitol building, completed in 1888, was designed by Elijah E. Myers in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. The Sunset Red granite building is over 566 feet by 288 feet and, in 1888, cost over $3.7 million to build. For over a century, it has stood as a symbol of the legendary spirit of Texas. It is the seat of the Texas government, where Texans meet to enact laws for the state. A highlight of the facility is the first-floor rotunda. Its terrazzo stone floor includes the six seals of the countries whose flags have flown over Texas and were installed in 1936 to celebrate the Texas Centennial. The rotunda’s four public levels are home to portraits of the Presidents of the Republic and Governors of the State. Additionally, the first floor features a marble bust of Miriam “Ma” Ferguson, the first female Governor of Texas, who was from Temple. Texas has thirty-one Senators and 150 members of the House of Representatives who work in concert to enact the laws of the state. Temple is represented by Senator Dawn Buckingham, District 24, in the Texas Senate and Representatives Hugh Shine, District 55, and Brad Buckley, District 54, in the Texas House of Representatives.
Leadership Temple Class of 2022 with State Comptroller Glenn Hegar After lunch, the group had one final meeting at the Capitol with the State Comptroller, Glenn Hegar. Hegar explained the constitutional duties of his office – collecting taxes, paying bills, and monitoring the economy. They focus on continual economic growth for the state, including creating an environment for increased job opportunities. Hegar shared many positive data points for the state, showing the strength of the Texas economy, which, as of 2021, is the 9th largest economy in the world. The day concluded with a meeting with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Deputy Executive Director, Brian Barth, P.E., who oversees all program and project delivery for the department. TxDOT was established in 1917 by the 35th Texas Legislature to take advantage of the 1916 Federal Aid Road Act, which granted monetary assistance to all states that had centralized state highway departments in control of road building. The department is governed by a five-member Texas Transportation Commission, appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Texas Senate, to serve six-year terms.
Leadership Temple Class of 2022 with State Representatives Hugh Shine and Brad Buckley, Glenn Hamer, Texas Association of Business The group had the opportunity to meet with all three offices directly representing Temple during their visit to the Capitol. In those meetings, the group learned about legislative priorities they are focusing on for the next legislative session. Property taxes, post-COVID learning loss in the education system, broadband access, and the electric grid were areas that stood out to the group. Lunch was at the historic Austin Club where the group hosted Glenn Hamer, President, and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, for a briefing on the state of business in Texas. The Austin Club, which was originally an opera house, was built in 1878. The building has always served as a social center of the city. The Club’s residency, which began in 1981, contributes to its history with a distinguished membership including top leadership in Texas business and government.
The commissioners formulate overall policies for the comprehensive system of public transportation for the state and employ directors, like Brian Barth, to administer the policies, supervise all locations, design, construction, and maintenance of the transportation system, and direct the workings of the department in general. Today, TxDOT employs about 12,000 people throughout the 25 statewide districts. TxDOT is first and foremost a public safety agency with the well-being, safety, and quality of life of Texans and the traveling public as the utmost concern. Its secondary function is as an engineering agency, forward-thinking, delivering mobility, enabling economic opportunity, and enhancing the quality of life for all Texans. State Day was an enlightening and motivating experience. The Leadership Temple Class of 2022 left with a new perspective of governmental processes at the state level, discussing ideas of how to impact changes needed in our expanding community.
FRIDAY, April 1, 2022
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2022 Spirit of Santa Fe Trail: Cheers to Central TX Craft Beverages Temple Chamber Staff
Pick-up punch card for the trail from participating wineries, breweries, or the Chamber with proof of ticket purchase.
“The Spirit of Santa Fe Trail is a craft beverage lover’s dream,” continued Henry. “It is a wine trail, a beer trail, plus we have one distillery participating this year. It is a weekend adventure exploring some of Texas’ finest craft beverage makers throughout the greater Temple area.”
Participating brewery locations include Bold Republic Brewing Company, Fire Base Brewing Company, Red Caboose Brewery & Distillery, and Tanglefoot Brewing.
Participating winery locations include 3 Texans Winery & Vineyard, Axis Winery, Dancing Bee Winery, En Gedi Winery, Kissing Tree Vineyards, Moose & Goose Winery, and Red Caboose Winery & Vineyard.
Note that participating locations hours of operation vary - check locations for details. Visit templechamber.com/spiritofsantafe for detailed information about the participating locations.
Please drink responsibly and with moderation. Please do NOT drink and drive. If you need transportation, use a designated driver or a car service.
The Spirit of Santa Fe Trail is made possible by generous sponsors: City of Temple, Emerson Construction, KCEN Channel 6, Kasberg, Patrick & Associates, Ludwick, Montgomery & Stapp, P.C., McLane Company, and West, Webb, Albritton & Gentry, PC.
The Temple Chamber of Commerce presents the 2022 Spirit of Santa Fe Trail, a self-guided craft beer and wine trail. The trail is an opportunity to celebrate the 11 participating craft breweries and wineries in Central Texas. “Central Texas has a budding winery and brewery industry that offers something for everyone,” noted Rod Henry, Temple Chamber of Commerce President. “Our region produces traditional grape-based wine, mead wine, and fruitbased wines, craft beer, and more.” This year’s trail participants spanning throughout the greater Temple area offer a variety of beverages for craft connoisseurs and casual tasters. In fact, these Texas Craft Beverages are more than what is in the glass. According to the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association, the economic impact of the wine and Winegrape industry on the state of Texas is more than $13.1 billion. According to the Texas Comptroller’s office, craft breweries contributed $700 million to the gross state product in Texas in 2020. The economic impact of the industries provides agriculture preservation, jobs, generates taxes, and attracts tourism. The Spirit of Santa Fe Trail is April 1-3, 2022. Trail tickets are $25 and are valid for one exclusive offer at each participating location over the trail dates. Purchase tickets online at centraltexastickets.com.