AISD Board Calls Bond Election For November

NEWS RELEASE
ACADEMY ISD
CONTACT: KEVIN SPRINKLES, SUPERINTENDENT
254.982.4304
ksprinkles@academy.k12.tx.us



ACADEMY ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES CALLS NOVEMBER BOND ELECTION

On Nov. 2, voters in Academy school district will decide on a $13.425 million bond for additions and renovations to the elementary school and high school, as well as other district-wide facility improvements.

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call for the bond at their Aug. 18 meeting.

The proposed plan calls for construction of a new intermediate classroom wing at the elementary school campus to house grades 3 – 5. The campus would also receive new core facilities, including a cafetorium, library, administrative offices, nurse’s office, play gym, and computer lab. Parent drop-off and pick-up issues would be addressed as well.

The current 1979 building, which would house pre-kindergarten through second grades, would receive some light renovation. Upon completion, the updated campus could house up to 800 students.

The high school campus, which was built in 1988, is also included in the proposed bond. Bond monies would be used to build 2 new science labs, a new life skills room, 2 Agriculture Science classrooms, a new band hall, renovate the library and ag shop, renovate the existing band hall to create additional classrooms, and install new gym seating.

“District-wide improvements,” including new roofs, HVAC replacement, air conditioning for the Field House, as well as other improvements make up the last part of the bond.

The proposal was recommended to the Board by the Bond Steering Committee, a group of 27 citizens who toured facilities, studied enrollment, and learned about state mandated curriculum requirements.

Dana White, committee co-chair, said, “We have more needs than we can afford to address at this time, so we had to prioritize. The proposal we made to the Board addresses our most critical needs and gives the District room to grow by more than 300 students.”

If tax payers approve the bond, the total tax rate for 2011-2012 will be $1.533 per $100 of valuation, an increase of $0.3590.

Per Bell County Appraisal District, the average homestead in Academy ISD is valued at $129,513. With the passage of the bond, taxes on a homestead of this value would go up $34.26 a month.

According to state law, senior citizens’ homestead taxes are not affected by the passage or failure of this bond.

Superintendent Kevin Sprinkles said it will take about two years to sell the bonds, get design input from teachers, take bids, and build the school.

Early voting begins Nov. 18 and runs through Nov. 29. Election Day is Nov. 2.


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