Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) is urging residents to vote on a $29,580,000 bond proposal aimed at funding the construction of a new competition gymnasium and a Career & Technical Education (CTE) facility. The existing facilities have reached their capacity and have aged over time.
The bond package, which totals $29,580,000, includes the construction of a new CTE facility with classrooms and workshop spaces, as well as a new competition gymnasium. Due to a substantial increase in student population since the original construction, these areas have experienced overcrowding. For instance, the school's single gymnasium currently serves at least eight different basketball teams, resulting in scheduling challenges.
The proposed bond aims to address these pressing issues and enhance the educational experience for Como-Pickton CISD students. The existing CTE facilities, initially constructed as temporary structures nearly fifty years ago, are both beyond their original capacity and no longer suitable for student use.
To alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers, the district anticipates that Pine Forest Solar, should they proceed with their solar farm project, will contribute approximately 30% of the district's debt burden. As a result, the bond amount can be increased from an initial $17,000,000 to the full $29,580,000 without additional cost to local taxpayers. If the Pine Forest Solar Farm project does not materialize, the bond amount will remain closer to the initial $17,000,000.
In terms of individual property taxes, homeowners with a property valued at $250,000 can expect to pay $40.86 less on their new taxes compared to their 2022 tax bill if the bond package is approved.
Como-Pickton CISD residents have the opportunity to cast their votes on the bond referendum during the early voting period, which runs from October 23 to November 3, 2023, and on Election Day, November 7, 2023. Early voting will take place at the CISD administration office, and the school district encourages all eligible citizens to be well-informed about the bond proposal and to exercise their right to vote in this critical election.
