CCISD proposes $302M bond From the cover
The overview
Bond breakdown Clear Creek ISD’s $302 million bond targets what district officials classify as “priority one” repairs, which are mostly made up of maintenance; infrastructure; and building improvements, such as flooring and lighting. Proposition A is for a voter-approval tax rate election to make up a multimillion-dollar shortfall.
Clear Creek ISD officials in November are asking voters to add millions to the district’s revenue. The largest portion of that comes from a proposed $302 million bond, which has drawn both worry and support from the public. A majority of the bond is focused on improving technology and district infrastructure, as well as increasing campus security, said Paul Miller, assistant superintendent of support services. Upgrades to the district’s facilities typically carry CCISD a few years into the future, Miller said. That means many upgrades are needed now since the last bond was passed in 2017. If passed, the new bond should carry CCISD out to 2028. “[The bond in 2017] was only really taking care of infrastructure through 2020,” Miller said. “So we’re already well behind schedule on some of those critical infrastructure items.” After months of discussion and public feedback, CCISD’s board of trustees Aug. 21 unanimously approved adding the bond to the Nov. 7 ballot, split into two propositions. Originally, trustees looked at a $614 million bond. About half of that total package is up for a vote in November, with the rest being put off until a possible 2024 or 2025 election.
Proposition B: $265M
$130.31 million School infrastructure
1
7
$55.44 million Priority repairs and replacements
6
2
5
$302M bond
$30.88 million Life safety and security
3
1
4
$24.09 million Cocurricular and extracurricular
Of the district’s 45 schools, 40 are set to receive upgrades from the bond.
4
$19.78 million Technology infrastructure
5
3
$4.5 million Project management and bond costs
6
2
$37 million Instructional technology Proposition C: $37M 7
SOURCE: CLEAR CREEK ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
The backstory
Putman said she still believes some of the spending is unnecessary, such as a new access road for $2.9 million, which is billed as a safety measure. “I am absolutely happier with the $302 million bond versus the $614 million,” she said. “But some of the spending is still suspect.”
The committee began gathering in April, meeting weekly in May and once in July, according to the district’s website. However, some on the committee, such as resident Alison Putman, were not supportive of a $614 million bond. Even with the reduced bond,
The original $614 million recommendation came out of a Facility Advisory Committee, which consisted of 80 community members tasked with figuring out the key capital projects needed within the district.
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