TISD Bonds...the pitch

TISD is coming back to voters with a new bond proposal, but some argue that the district has a much tougher sell this time around.
 

And one of those sales pitches was held tonight .

We’re slowly climbing out of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Some might argue, there isn’t a worse time to ask voters to approve a new batch of school bonds. But bad timing or not, TISD was making the case tonight…and the audience had their doubts.
 

The bond proposal totals just under $90-million, almost as much as the $95-million that voters gave the district back in 2004.
 

But that bond was to build 7 new or replacement elementary schools, including Jack Elementary, where tonight’s meeting was held.

The new bond will build two new elementary schools and one middle school. And many question the need to replace Rice Elementary, built in 1978, rather than simply add on or renovate.
 

And the crowd at tonight’s presentation, had questions.
 

Superintendent Randy Reid said the growth of the district has been both gratifying and difficult.  He said more room and better facilities are needed.
 

TISD says the tax rate will remain the same for five years and then go down. If the bonds are not approved, it will go down 5 to 7 cents per $100 property valuation.