McAllen News, McAllen TX News, McAllen ISD bond election, McAllen ISD Board
Arnoldo Mata
McAllen, TX - The McAllen Independent School District Board of Trustees is scheduled to consider calling a bond election at its regular meeting Tuesday, with district leaders proposing a $335 million package aimed at campus upgrades, safety improvements and long-deferred maintenance needs.
During a Jan. 7 Facilities Forecast Advisory Committee (FFAC) meeting, district leaders finalized the list of projects to be included in the bond issue. At that time, they pointed out that the bond issue would not require a tax increase. The group spent months touring campuses, attending walkthroughs and reviewing needs with district staff and consultants.
Bond proposal and major project categories
The proposed bond package is based on recommendations from the district’s facilities committee, which spent several months reviewing campus conditions, enrollment trends and program needs. The committee identified a range of projects across multiple categories, including expansions of career and technical education programs at McAllen, Memorial and Rowe high schools; fine arts facility modernizations at all three high schools; and classroom additions at select elementary and middle school campuses.
Other proposed projects include cafeteria modernizations at Milam, Alvarez and Seguin elementary schools and Morris Middle School; construction of elementary school gyms and enclosures at five campuses; and campus “refresh” projects at the district’s high schools focused on learning spaces, commons areas and student support facilities.
A significant portion of the bond package is also dedicated to districtwide maintenance and infrastructure needs, including HVAC repairs and replacements, roof repairs, site paving, LED lighting upgrades, security and access control improvements, and HVAC controls upgrades across dozens of campuses and support facilities.
Safety and security improvements
The facilities plan places an emphasis on safety and security, including front-entry security and controlled access projects at high schools and middle schools, along with technology and access control upgrades across the district. District officials have said these improvements are intended to address both student safety concerns and aging infrastructure.
Election timeline and next steps
If trustees move forward, the board is expected to finalize a bond resolution in February. Under the proposed timeline, the board would formally call the bond election at a February meeting, allowing time for community engagement and voter education ahead of Election Day on May 2.
Early voting would run from April 20 through April 28, with the last day to register to vote set for April 2. District administrators have outlined plans for community engagement efforts throughout the spring leading up to the election.
Proposed ballot language
The sample ballot language presented to trustees proposes a single bond proposition authorizing the district to issue up to $335 million in bonds for designing, constructing, renovating, improving and equipping school facilities. The language explicitly notes that approval would result in a property tax increase and includes authorization for the district to levy ad valorem taxes to repay the bonds.
The ballot language references districtwide renovations, safety and security improvements, roof and HVAC replacements, technology infrastructure upgrades, expansion of career and technical education facilities, and fine arts facility additions at each high school campus.
Board action pending
Trustees are expected to discuss the proposal, timeline and ballot language at the Jan. 13 meeting. A final decision on calling the bond election would require board approval at a future meeting.
To view the report the board will review, click on the link below:
Source -- McAllen Independent School District Board of Trustees agenda and facilities committee report.