LONGVIEW, Texas — Longview ISD board trustees on Monday approved calling for $456.2 million bond election this May seeking to fund improvements to aging buildings, new facilities and an aquatics center.
The bond, if approved by voters, would fund several projects across Longview ISD campuses, including improvements at the high school, a new early childhood center, a multi-purpose facility, an aquatics center and more.
The school district released a breakdown of the five propositions that district residents will vote on:
Proposition A: $237.7 million
- Address Aging Buildings
- Longview High School
- District-wide renovations
- Energy efficiency upgrades
- Early Graduation High School
- Career & Technical Building
- Safety and Security
- New LISD Bus Barn
Proposition B: $76.5 million
- New Early Childhood Center
- PFK renovated for new offices
Proposition C: $79.1 million
- Multi-Purpose Facility
- Soccer/Baseball/Tennis
Proposition D: $21 million
- LHS/Middle School Stadium Renovations
Proposition E: $41.9 million
- Natatorium (Aquatics Center)
According to LISD, it's been 16 years since the last major investment in Longview ISD. In 2008, voters approved a bond to fund the construction of new elementary school and middle school campuses. There have been no major renovations since then.
Dr. Wayne Guidry, assistant superintendent of finance, said safety is the number one priority for this bond.
“More than anything, we want to ensure our kids and staff are safe each day at school," he said. "In addition to that, we strive daily to provide the best possible learning environment for every student that walks through our doors."
Early voting for the bond will run from April 22 through 30 with Election Day on May 4.
The district said if all five propositions were approved, the estimated impact would be $0.83 per month, or $10 per year, for a $200,000 home in Longview ISD.
LISD said the total tax rate has decreased by more than 37 cents over the last six years for a current tax rate of $1.1422.
According to the Longview News-Journal, this bond election is the district's third bond referendum in three years.
In November, voters struck down a bond that would've addressed security and athletic facility upgrades, among other updates at Longview ISD.
Officials sought to fund projects like a new early childhood center, Longview High School renovation, a new career and technical education building, a new multi-purpose student facility and other initiatives.