Willis ISD (via Facebook)
Voters in the Houston area were asked to provide additional funding to local school districts through bond elections and proposed tax increases.
Tuesday’s results were mixed.
Most notably, voters rejected a $4.4 billion bond proposal for Houston ISD that would have been the largest in Texas history. About 58% of voters opposed each of the two bond proposals, a rebuke to state-appointed school district leadership established by the Texas Education Agency in June 2023.
A $115.4 million bond package for Willis ISD was also rejected. The north Houston district would use the money to build athletic facilities, a stadium, an aquatic center and a student activity center.
“While we are disappointed that the community did not approve this bond, we respect and appreciate the voice of more voters,” Willis ISD School Board President Kyle Hogemeyer said on the district’s website. said in a statement. “We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to address the district’s continuing needs in a fiscally responsible manner.”
Voters in Waller ISD, a fast-growing district in northwest Houston, approved a $702.5 million proposal for new schools, new buses and land acquisition. But it opposed another proposal that called for $11 million in technology upgrades.
Alvin ISD, south of Houston, received more than 60% support for a $380.1 million measure to build new schools, renovate existing campuses and enhance safety and security. . A $60 million bond package for Anderson-Shilo CISD, which serves the area between College Station and Huntsville, was also approved, according to a social media post by the district. Voters rejected an $80 million bond for Tarkington ISD in Liberty County northeast of Houston.
Several other Houston-area school districts asked voters to approve tax increases as many school systems face financial crises due to inflation and stagnant per-pupil funding from the state.
Those requests were narrowly approved by voters in Alief ISD in southwest Houston and Montgomery ISD in the city’s north. The proposed rate hike was rejected by voters in districts including Cold Spring-Oakhurst CISD, Magnolia ISD, Spring ISD and Texas City ISD.
Montgomery ISD’s tax increase, approved by 50.5 percent of voters, is expected to generate approximately $5.5 million in annual revenue.
“Montgomery ISD is committed to providing the best learning experience for our students, and the election results show that our community is no different,” School Board Vice President Laurie Turner said in a statement released by the district. It shows that.”
