At Monday night’s school board meeting, Sulphur Springs ISD trustees unanimously voted to call a $157,150,000 bond election on the Saturday, May 4 ballot. Registered voters within the Sulphur Springs ISD boundaries will decide on a bond referendum aimed at funding the construction of two new elementary schools, renovating three campuses, and acquiring land for one of the new schools. This proposal aligns with the district’s long-range vision to modernize facilities and accommodate changing educational needs.
The SSISD Bond Planning Committee recommended the projects following months of evaluation and prioritization. The Board of Trustees unanimously endorsed the committee's recommendation, emphasizing the importance of addressing student and staff needs within school facilities.
President of the Board of Trustees, Craig Roberts, expressed gratitude to the Bond Planning Committee for their diligent work and urged residents to learn more about the proposed projects before the May election.
The bond proposition includes plans for:
- New Elementary School #1 (K-5) to replace Sulphur Springs Elementary School.
- New Elementary School #2 (K-5) to be constructed on a new site named Rowena Johnson Elementary.
- Land acquisition for the construction of the new Rowena Johnson Elementary.
- Renovations to Bush Elementary School to improve facilities and site accessibility.
- Renovations to Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center to enhance learning environments.
- Updates at Bowie Elementary School to repurpose the building for office use by exceptional program staff.
Dr. Deana Steeber, superintendent of schools, praised the community's involvement in developing the plan and emphasized the positive impact it will have on over 2,100 students in grades PreK-5. The plan aims to create K-5 elementary schools, aligning with research suggesting better outcomes for young students.
The proposed bond would also retire three aging schools, some of which are over 70 years old, due to increasing maintenance costs and instances of classroom disruptions.
Residents can expect a slight increase in property taxes, estimated at $1.25 per year for a home valued at $150,000 after accounting for the new $100,000 homestead exemption.
Any Sulphur Springs ISD resident registered to vote may participate in the election. The deadline to register is April 4, with early voting scheduled from April 22 to April 30. Election day is Saturday, May 4. Informational meetings will be organized by SSISD officials to provide details and address questions. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to visit ssisd.net/bond for additional information.
