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From TexasISD.com Joe's Commentaries eCAP free check recovery serving over 925,000 students, 1300 campuses, and 80 school districts across the nation
73 school districts that we know of will go to the polls Saturday requesting authority to issue bonds for needed improvements. In many of these districts it is a case of "we have no other choices". The enrollment in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw has doubled in the last 5 years and Paradise ISD enrollment has tripled since 1985 according to the Fort Worth Star Telegram. There are many other districts that need plant maintenance or improvements in the instructional technology equipment. The needs are growing and the costs are increasing on a daily basis, so now is the time for districts to get the best value. School districts have planned these bonds to meet the identified needs that will improve the local school facilities and maintain quality programs for the students. Lewisville’s bonds will address needs caused by a growth of 35,000 students over the last 20 years. At the top of the list (by size) is Dallas ISD seeking approval of $1.3 billion, followed by Conroe ($527,000,000) Klein ($646,000,000), Lewisville $697,000,000 and Plano seeking ($490,000,000). If voters look closely at the issues they will support the proposals that are usually put before voters only after going through extensive planning committees. However, the recent inflation in construction costs is making the accuracy of projections very difficult. Some are estimating construction inflation at 1% per month. This inflation is also impacting taxpayers that may have second thoughts about agreeing to raise their tax rates during these tough financial times. These funds will meet needs, however, not all needs. After bonds are approved it is likely districts will shortly find it necessary to return to voters to request an increase in the M&O rates to pay for maintenance, utilities and the inflation in prices of practically all commodities. The current challenge for school districts was aptly described by Houston Chronicle Reporter Ryan Hickman as “districts fending off the three headed monster of growth, debt and finicky financial help from Austin”. We will be collecting election results starting Saturday night. This data will be posted on The Lone Finalist as available and flashes will be sent out periodically. I wish you all well; send election results to: webmaster@texasisd.com - js List of Texas School Districts having May 10 Elections: (send corrections or additions to webmaster@texasisd.com )
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