HAYS COUNTY, Texas — Nearly 90 school bond proposals are on the Texas ballot for the spring general election, highlighting districts’ varying needs.
The proposals total more than $12 billion, and if approved, they would allow districts to improve infrastructures, create new schools, increase safety and more.
KVUE’s news partners WFAA spoke with education consultant Doug Williams, who said the main reason for the bonds has to do with growth in mid-size districts, some of which are increasing by 8-12% each year.
He also noted that while inflation has increased since 2019, money provided to districts based on attendance has not.
Williams stated that if the bonds fail to pass, there could be larger safety consequences, as classrooms would become overcrowded.
Central Texas school districts on Texas ballots
Of the 89 school proposals throughout the state, at least six are in Central Texas. These include Hays CISD, as well as Drippings Springs, Marble Falls, Wimberley, Lockhart and Prairie Lea ISDs.
Hays CISD has the largest bond package, worth $970 million. The district’s proposal – Proposition A – includes the construction of a new elementary school, new school buses, upgrades to six current middle schools and more.
In Dripping Springs, the district introduced a $402. 3 million bond package featuring two main propositions. Prop. A would include bus seat belts, technology equipment and building a second high school, to name a few. Meanwhile, Prop. B focuses on implementing interactive classroom panels and refreshed technology for students and staff.
Marble Falls ISD wants voters to approve four propositions worth $172.2 million, highlighting the district’s need for new school buses, upgrades to Career and Technology classrooms and the construction of a 54,000 square-foot multipurpose building.
Wimberley ISD’s package also included four propositions on the ballot, adding up to $135 million worth of projects like a new multipurpose auditorium, more parking spaces at select facilities and the addition of new buses.
Lockhart ISD’s $93.5 million package would give the district more land and support the construction of another middle school, among other changes.
Meanwhile, Prairie Lea ISD -located in Caldwell County- is also asking voters for a smaller amount of $8.55 million for an elementary school renovation, improvements to an auditorium and more.
Election Day in Texas is set for May 3.