Devine ISD is asking community members for their input about priorities if the bond election slated for November is approved. The link to the survey is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/disdbond.
Safety and security is still a priority.
Funding sources for capital improvements to address safety and security are only available through voter-approved bonds. After the May 2023 bond election, DISD board members listened to the voters who do not want their property taxes to go up. The board decided to call for another bond election in an amount that will not raise taxes. At the Aug. 21, 2023 meeting, trustees unanimously called for an $11.255 million bond election on Nov. 7, 2023.
Why $11.255 million?
The Interest & Sinking tax rate, which is the portion of the tax rate used to pay voter-approved bonds, will remain at 24 cents if the bond election is approved. The revenue brought in at the 24 cent tax rate is sufficient to fund the entire $11.255 million bond.
A little history about the process of setting priorities.
In the fall of 2022, a facilities committee consisting of staff, parents, and community members was formed. The committee was presented with the board-adopted Strategic Facilities Plan. Committee members reviewed the plan and decided on conducting a survey to get more community input. The feedback from the survey showed that priority should be given to addressing safety and security for students and accommodating the growing band program. The committee reviewed the survey results and decided to recommend that the board call for a $32.2 million bond. At its regular February board meeting, the facilities committee presented their recommendations and the board unanimously approved calling for a bond election. The bond election consisted of two propositions. Proposition A addressed safety and security improvements, a new band hall, and a new or renovated special education building. Proposition B was for four additional tennis courts to accommodate the district’s large tennis program. Proposition A failed by 39 votes, and Proposition B failed by 172 votes.
What projects can be funded for $11.255 million?
The district has developed a survey to ask the community members to give their input. All the projects recommended in the May bond election will not be addressed, but the district will start with the top priority item and work down to get as much accomplished as possible. To view the possible projects and to complete the survey, scan the QR code below or go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/disdbond
Please direct questions to the Central Office at 830-851-0795 or by email at [email protected].