News Details
Adam Holland
La Porte ISD voters passed Propositions A, B and C of the proposed 2023 Bond by landslide margins, approving the $235 million package to address aging facilities, safety and security, technology and infrastructure, and athletics.
Proposition A passed by a margin of almost 80 percent, with 1,413 votes in favor and 399 against. Voters approved Proposition B by a similar margin – 1,411 to 400. Proposition C passed by more than a 73 percent margin with 1,316 votes in favor and 485 against.
“We are so thankful to have the support of our La Porte ISD community,” said Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson. “The last major investment in our schools was over nine years ago. And all these projects will be able to get done without increasing district taxes”
Proposition A includes districtwide safety and security upgrades, addressing aging buildings with funds for district-wide maintenance and renovations, new buses and district vehicles, replacing technology infrastructure over the next 10 years, and constructing a new Bulldog Development Centre.
Proposition B replaces student and teacher technology devices on a regular replacement schedule over the next 10 years. Proposition C will pay for a new Bulldog Stadium on the existing site.
The state of Texas doesn’t provide funding for facilities. By law, bond funds may not be used to fund daily operating expenses or salaries. Bond funds may only be used for projects approved by district voters.
“The community is expected to find a way to build new schools or expand existing schools when faced with these issues,” said Dr. Jackson. “We’ve worked hard to manage funds conservatively and will continue to be good stewards for the La Porte ISD community.”
The district will now get to work on the next steps and begin coordinating with architects to conduct a competitive bidding process for each project, as well as finalizing a construction schedule and working with district financial advisors to establish a bond program schedule.
“We’re grateful to our board members and all our voters for the support they provide to our schools, our students, and staff,” Dr. Jackson said. “This bond communicates the values our district places on education and our continued commitment to La Porte ISD students and teachers. This is a wonderful community that I’m proud to serve, and we look forward to the future success of all La Porte Bulldogs.”
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