Election
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
Lamar CISD residents will weigh in on the district’s bond $1.99 billion proposal in the Nov. 4 election. With over half of LCISD campuses expected to reach capacity within the next decade, the bond’s largest component is a $1.9 billion proposition to fund several new schools including seven elementary campuses. Within Sugar Land, Campbell and Dickinson elementary schools would also receive heating, ventilation and air conditioning renovations. Because rising land prices and rapid housing development slow land acquisitions, Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens said the proposition also aims to create a “land bank” to start construction immediately after future bonds pass, cutting about four years from project timelines. With two technology-related propositions, Executive Director of Technology Chad Jones said the district needs a 31% increase in the student LCISD calls $1.99B bond amid growth
Lamar CISD November bond breakdown
Prop A ($1.9B) New facilities and upgrades
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
$469M Fulshear area junior, middle and high school
$469M Replacements for existing campuses
$394M New elementary schools
$169M Land
$165M Roofs and air conditioning
$131M Safety and security
$45.74M Additions for existing campuses
$40M Vehicles (buses and
$20M Portable buildings
purchase and development
white eet)
Prop B ($26.7M) Guy K. Traylor Stadium renovations
Prop C ($44.13M) Technology upgrades Technology equipment refresh Graphic arts updates
Prop D ($10.69M) Student laptops 1:1 student laptop ratio
SOURCE: LAMAR CISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
Additionally, the bond also revisits the previously failed proposition in the 2020, 2022 and 2023 bonds to renovate Traylor Stadium, built in 1965. The stadium repairs would reduce the 10,000-seat capacity to 6,000 seats and improve accessibility.
laptop inventory—adding 11,000 devices over four years—to ensure every student in grades 3-12 has a device amid online-based learning and a statewide ban on personal devices in schools.
The impact
Put in perspective
Chief Financial O cer Jill Ludwig said LCISD cannot legally guarantee the interest and sinking tax rate, which pays o debt service, will not increase, as it depends on property value growth, economic conditions and legislative changes. She said current projections assume 10% annual property value growth, a 5% interest rate and a 35-year repayment term. Bond funds are the one source of money for enrollment growth as it cannot be used to pay teacher salaries or classroom supplies.
he said could disrupt families and strain existing campuses. Without funding for new schools and critical repairs, he said the district could face higher long-term costs and reduced educational quality. “Rezoning is not a fun process for the community—it’s not a fun process for us either,” Nivens said. “Those are very emotional conversations.”
The early voting period will take place from Oct. 20-31, while Election Day is Nov. 4. More information regarding the bond is posted on the district website. If approved, Chief Operations O cer Greg Buchanan said all seven new elementary campuses will open by 2029. If the bond doesn’t pass, Buchanan said the district would have to rely on rezoning, portable classrooms and cap-and-over ow measures to manage student growth, which
Campuses projected to surpass capacity without bond approval 30
Elementary schools
Middle/junior high schools
High schools
Lamar CISD property tax rate since the 2017 bond $1.4 $1.39
$1.3
20
$1.15
$1.2
10
$1.1
$1
0
0
SOURCE: LAMAR CISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: LAMAR CISD COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION
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