HISD BOND INFORMATION TOWN HALL TONIGHT

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has proposed a $4.4 billion bond package, which, if approved, would be the largest school bond in Texas history. Here's a breakdown based on the information available up to August 27, 2024:

• Purpose of the Bond: The bond aims to address significant infrastructure needs within HISD. This includes:

  • Safety and Health: Allocating over $1 billion for creating safe and healthy campuses, which involves updating HVAC systems, securing campuses, and ensuring environmental standards are met.

  • Future-Readiness: Investing in making campuses "future-ready," which likely includes technology upgrades, career and technical education facilities, and expanding early childhood education programs.

  • Restoration: Over $2 billion is slated for restoring and renovating schools, focusing particularly on elementary and middle schools since many high schools were renovated with the 2012 bond.

  The bond package was unanimously approved by HISD's state-appointed Board of Managers to be placed on the November 2024 ballot. This decision came after public forums where both support and opposition were voiced. The final decision rests with the voters in November.

  Critics, including some community members and parents, express distrust in the current management due to the state takeover, questioning how funds might be managed. There's also concern over the necessity of all proposed projects, especially the construction of new career centers when existing ones could be utilized differently.