Dear East Bernard Community Members,
As you know, Tuesday, November 4th
is Election Day. With an East Bernard ISD bond on the ballot, we want to take
this opportunity to share information about that bond proposal.
After the May 2014 bond did not
pass, the East Bernard ISD Board of Trustees engaged with the community over
the summer months in order to understand why that bond measure failed.
We heard the following three issues:
- The $25 million dollar price tag was too much money.
- The community likes the 1939 main high school building.
- The community wants Memorial Stadium to stay where it is.
In response, the board crafted a
"Plan B” bond proposal which is now on the November ballot. The new bond plan
does the following:
- Drops the bond price by $7 million dollars, but allows for construction of a new band hall and UIL performing stage in the cafeteria. This plan also provides for a new Ag shop and career classrooms.
- Preserves the 1939 high school building as it is, and moves the administrative offices into the main building.
- Keeps Memorial Stadium where it stands. Instead, the new high school will be constructed on the property next to the current administration building.
The November 2014 bond seeks to
maximize current low interest rates and construction costs, while bringing our
school facilities into the 21st century. The average homeowner, under the
age of 65, can expect a $296 per year tax increase, while those with the over
65 homestead exemption will not see a tax rate change.
As the EBISD Board, we will continue
to provide you with factual information so that you may make an informed
decision when you go into the voting booth on November 4, 2014. More information is available at www.ebisd.org by clicking on “EBISD Bond Information.”
Thank you,
EBISD School Board
