For the second time this year, voters in San Angelo said “no” to a school bond proposal. This time, the margin of loss was much larger.
A $149 million bond was first placed on the May ballot by San Angelo Independent School District. The proposal consisted of a full sweep of facility upgrades and additions, with most of the funds being pledged for safety and security enhancements, ADA upgrades, and facility expansions. The remainder would have been used for student programs such as new baseball and softball field houses, a multi-purpose gymnasium, a new middle school track, and an alternative learning center. The final vote tally revealed the bond failing to pass by just two votes.
Thinking a win was still attainable, SAISD gave the bond a second try this November — this time splitting the proposal into two different propositions adding up to $145,520,000. Proposition A totaled $111,480,000 and would have been used for safety and security measures, handicap upgrades, and additions and renovations to existing facilities. Proposition B totaled $34,040,000 and would have been used for handicap upgrades, renovations and additional capacity, and improved programs for extracurriculars, fine arts, and athletics through new construction.
Both Proposition A and B failed by 56 percent and 58 percent, respectively. If both had passed, the new debt would have increased the tax rate by 14 cents. For a home valued at $150,000, this equates to an increase of $175 on an annual tax bill.
In a press release published Wednesday, SAISD Superintendent Dr. Carl Dethloff wrote, “Although our facilities continue to age, it is time to pause, take a hiatus on bond elections, and focus on the many wonderful gifts our students bring to us daily in San Angelo.”
