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The Proposal |
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Build a new elementary school to improve the learning
environment for Pre-K –Grade 5 students. |
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That building would be large enough to accommodate substantial
growth and be built on property already owned by the district in
Merit. |
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If
the Existing Debt Allotment (EDA) state aid is rolled forward,
the district would build a new middle school adjacent to the new
elementary school with the anticipated $2.4 million in state
aid. |
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Each and every session of the Texas Legislature has rolled
forward the EDA funds for facilities for Texas school children
since the program began. If BISD voters reject the bond
proposal, those EDA funds go to other districts. |
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The Needs |
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BISD's only existing debt will be
paid off in 2011, leaving the district debt free and able to take on
new debt for new schools. |
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Bland Elementary School is 70 years
old and Bland Middle School is 69 years old. Both facilities fail to
meet the space and technology needs of today's students. Even though
the buildings have been well maintained, the infrastructure,
electricity, heating, cooling, and classroom configuration don't
meet the needs of students of today or tomorrow. |
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Half of the middle
school classrooms are outside the main structure, limiting
communication and requiring students to encounter inclement weather. |
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The
present age grouping of Pre-K through eight would be better
instructionally and socially divided into separate campuses. The
proposal calls for a separate Pre-K through five campus and a six
through eight campus. |
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Both
schools are expensive to operate due to antiquated heating and
cooling systems. Over $104,000 was spent last year to heat and cool
those facilities. |
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Both
schools need extensive roof repair. |
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Bland
ISD is expected to grow along with the Metroplex. North Texas
Council of Governments predicts Hunt County will double by 2030.
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Twenty-six (26) outside entrances limit the safety and security of
both schools. |
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Electrical infrastructure limits the use of modern technology. Some
electrical equipment must be turned off before other devices can be
turned on. |
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Increasing enrollment affects not only class size but the quality of
the environment of the restrooms, cafeterias and halls.
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The Costs |
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Bland ISD has a history of conservative fiscal management. The present debt for the new high school, gym and agriculture
science shop will be paid off in 2011. This makes BISD
debt free, a unique and favorable financial situation. |
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The tax rate to pay for these two new schools is expected to
be $1.54. This will cost the owner of a $100,000 home
approximately $31.83 more a month. |
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Senior homestead owners’ taxes are frozen, and their tax
bills are totally unaffected by the passage of this bond
even if their appraisals go up. |
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