Community benefit Those involved in the bond’s cre- ation said it will provide long-lasting benefits for CISD students and the community. Students were more involved in this bond process than ever. Patel was one of five high school seniors who were invited to join the committee. “It was a great honor to be a stu- dent elected by a committee of mainly adults to lead,” he said. “A student body ensures more transparency.” Patel grew up in the district’s school system. As a member of Coppell High School’s fine arts program, he has first- hand knowledge of its needs. Since Patel is a senior, he will not reap the bond’s benefits if it is passed. However, the quality education incom- ing students would receive because of the work proposed in the bond would set them up for success, he said. “Keeping up with modern trends, keeping our buildings new and fresh, it’s going to be the best for students. It’s going to really set them apart and give them an advantage,” he said. Walker has been a Coppell resident for 25 years. Like many families, he was drawn to the area because of its school system. “One reason that it’s so easy to sell a home in Coppell and there’s so much demand for our homes is the school district,” he said. “It’s really important to all of us, if you own a home in Cop- pell, that the school district do as well as it can.” The bond package provides the next generation with bet- ter opportunities, Caviness said. “Doing this work and the projects that are being recommended through the bond issuance note sets the district up for the next 30 to 40 years,” he said.
Proposed Locations While the proposed bond package would touch all campuses, improving CISD’s elementary schools is one of the priority projects. Three elementary schools have been targeted for work under the 2023 bond. VILLAGE PKWY.
The bond package is the culmination of three years of work. Multiple committees composed of parents, students, staff and community members were tasked with identifying a plan for Coppell ISD. Bond timeline
Prop A
Prop B
VILLAGE PKWY.
D Y L
Lakeside Elementary School, 1100 Village Parkway, Coppell
2019
N. MACARTHUR BLVD.
The Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee begins drafting a three- to 10-year plan for all CISD buildings and facilities.
Austin Elementary School , 161 S. Moore Road, Coppell
D Y L
2021
N. MACARTHUR BLVD.
N
The Visioning Committee provides input for the bond committee.
N. MACARTHUR BLVD.
Valley Ranch Elementary School, 9800 Rodeo Drive, Irving
RODEO DR.
Sept. 2022
VALLEY RANCH PKWY. W.
The Bond Steering Committee began studying and prioritizing capital improvement projects in the district.
RODEO DR.
N
Sept. 2022
SOURCE: COPPELL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
VALLEY RANCH PKWY. W.
A survey is launched to gather community input and help identify priorities.
be pushed off,” he said. The high school’s tennis center has also outgrown its space and is overdue for upgrades, Caviness said. The bond package is the culmination of three years of work. Three commit- tees were formed between 2019 and 2022; all were tasked with envisioning the district’s future. After a series of meetings, public forums and surveys, the bond steer- ing committee recommended a facili- ties master plan totaling $511 million. The feedback from the surveys, however, indicated CISD voters were more likely to support a $320 million bond package. The bond steering committee rec- ommended a 10-year phasing plan so the district’s most urgent needs could be addressed in the 2023 bond pack- age. Remaining recommendations will be proposed for a future bond. While the phasing plan delays work
on schools that are in need of improve- ments, splitting the $511 million pack- age in two helps minimize the tax rate impact —a factor in Caviness’ decision to call for the election, he said. “People want to keep their taxes low, and I’m one of those too. But there’s some things that we just have to do,” he said. “Breaking this up allows us to be more fiscally responsible in manag- ing that tax rate impact to our commu- nity and stakeholders and taxpayers.” Concerns about finances amid infla- tion could be one reason why survey participants were hesitant to support a larger bond, Walker said. “We’re in a very difficult financial time for a lot of families,” he said. ”When you look at the price of eggs, the price of fuel to get around, every- thing has gone sky-high. It’s a difficult environment to issue bonds and call for bonds.” N
Jan. 2023
The Bond Steering Committee submits a $511 million bond package proposal that could be incorporated into a possible future bond election.
Feb. 2023
Coppell ISD board of trustees vote to approve the $321.5 million bond package to go before the voters.
April 24, 2023
Early voting begins.
May 6, 2023 Election Day
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
SOURCE: COPPELL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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