Voters in the East Central Independent School District will find four bond propositions on their ballot during the November general elections.
Here’s a general overview of the propositions.
Proposition A
The official ballots will permit voters to vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” Proposition A. If voters approved Proposition A, or the tax rate adopted by the Board of Trustees which would add $6.6 million of revenue to the district by adding five cents to maintenance and operations tax increasing the taxable valuation to 0.72 cents per $100, East Central ISD would be able to increase staff salaries, update safety measures and facilitate the implementation of armed personnel at all schools in the district.
If the proposition is declined, then the district faces budget cuts and a $8.6 million deficit, jeopardizing staff raises and program funding.
Brandon Oliver, Director of Marketing and Communications East Central ISD said voters should approve Prop A.
Q: Why do you think it’s important for voters to approve this proposition?
A: We are trying to demonstrate that these three things here [recruit and retain experienced staff, safety and security, and additional police officers for new campuses] will be most impacted from the tax increase. So we can show them why we are losing teachers, with facts of what we offer currently to our staff and teachers [highlighted on the proposition website]. If you think that paying a little more in tax to keep a high quality staff you might want to consider voting for it.
Safety and security we know is a big issue. East Central was just in the news over a school threat we received last week. School safety is a big concern for a lot of our parents, I would even say safety is the number one concern of parents in my opinion based on the feedback that we get on social media things like that. To the voter, we just present the information and say if they think it is worth the tax increase.The other thing to keep into consideration is the cost of inflation. It’s important for the public to understand that if this bond isn’t approved, when we go for a bond next time, it is probably going to be significantly more because of the inflation adjustment.
Proposition B
To keep up with the rapid growth of the east side, the East Central Independent School District Bond Advisory Committee re-convened in the fall of 2024. The committee comprises over 100 members, including parents, teachers, administrators and people within the ECISD community. The committee drafted Proposition B, which is one of four propositions that will be on the general election ballot for voters in ECISD, to address the needs of the district.
Proposition B plans for a new high school, a new gymnasium at East Central High School and two new elementary schools. Additionally, it includes renovations and expansions to agriculture facilities to support growing educational programs.
ECISD has a projected growth rate of 14,038 new students in the next three years. Harmony Elementary is currently at 98.66% capacity and will be at 112% capacity next year.
East Central High School and two of the district’s elementary schools will reach 120% capacity within the next four to five years.
The district is currently in a $2.4 million deficit due to its allotment of funds, which are set by the state, remaining unchanged since 2019. To compensate for this deficit, each proposal includes an increase in the tax rate.
The current tax rate in the ECISD is 88 cents. If Proposition B passes, the rate will increase by 13 cents. If all four proposals pass, the maximum rate would reach $1.12 by 2027, remaining the lowest tax rate in Bexar County.
A large part of East Central High School’s pride comes from its Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. The East Central FFA was established in 1950 and has won more than 27 national titles. Expanding the agriscience program allows new students to continue competing at the national level.
“We have about 625 members in FFA this year,” Lorie Kempen, agricultural science department lead, said.
The agriscience program has four pathways a student can take: Plant Science, Leadership, Engineering and Veterinary Science.
“Our vet med program has so much interest that we’re turning kids away from that program,” Kempen said. “Our barn situation is an extension of our classroom.”
The East Central High School’s barn is 15 years old and is currently housing six teachers, but it was originally built for four.
“With all the growth and subdivisions going in, we’ve really changed from a rural community to a much more suburban community,” Kempen said. “As much as a student may want to raise a lamb, goat, or even a cow if you live in a subdivision, those things aren’t allowed. So they miss out on that opportunity here.”
Proposition C
Oliver, Director of Marketing and Communications East Central ISD also spoke about why voters should approve Prop C.
Q: What is Proposition C?
A: Proposition C is, “The issuance of bonds in the amount of $10,000,000 for renovating school stadium facilities and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. This is a property tax increase.”
In layman’s terms, Proposition C proposes renovating the 42-year-old Hornet Stadium by updating unsafe metal bleachers, improving fan amenities, and providing ADA accessibility. These upgrades will enhance safety and accommodate the needs of both high schools sharing the facility.
Q: What makes this proposition so important?
A: For starters, the bleachers are in disarray. Our 42 year old stadium has got bleachers that haven’t been touched since the early ‘80s.
The stadium itself also suffers from various disability accessibility issues and even has had to tear down a previously condemned press box. If Proposition B were to pass, which would involve building a new high school, then both the new school and the current one would share this stadium for varsity football, making Proposition C a must.
Plans for updating accessibility include additional guard rails, additional ramps, and an elevator for the pressbox.
Proposition D
Proposition D would focus on renovations for tennis courts and improvements for baseball and softball fields.
Because of cracked and deteriorating courts, East Central ISD said the conditions have created an unsafe playing surface that can no longer be repaired. This, along with lighting issues, has caused the courts to be unfit for hosting tournaments.
“Due to lighting issues, school districts opted from having tournaments,” Oliver said in an interview Oct. 8. “When scheduled to play, games are cut short because of dark areas that make it hard to see.”
According to the East Central ISD website, Proposition D will grant new courts, LED lighting for courts and renovations for on-court facilities such as storage, locker rooms and restrooms, as well as upgrades and possible relocation for the softball and baseball fields, as both fields have significant accessibility and safety issues.
With this proposition comes a tax increase for San Antonio residents. Tax increases are based on home appraisals in Bexar county.
Proposition D would bring a $1.98 per month tax increase based on a $280,000 home with a $100,000 homestead exemption.
The tax rate would take effect in 2027 if the proposition passes.
Q: Why is it important for voters to approve this proposition?
A: A “yes” vote supports authorizing the district to issue $18.8 million in bonds, with revenue going to fund outdoor recreational facilities, and levying taxes to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.
Q: How will this proposition help the community in the long run?
A: New housing constructions continue to drive the majority of enrollment growth in ECISD, adding 600-1,500 students annually in the first five years. As new housing developments accelerate, enrollment growth will increase.
Q: Is there an order of importance in the innovations for the tennis courts and baseball and softball fields?
A: Tennis will receive court renovations to improve safety and playability. Completely new courts, LED lighting provided for all courts. Renovating storage, locker rooms, and restrooms. For baseball and softball fields the bond would move parking to more adjacent to the field to improve accessibility. The addition of covered batting cages with six to eight bays that would allow the baseball and softball programs to hit after dark with lighting and protection from inclement weather.
For more information on Proposition A, B, C and D visit https://www.ecisd.net/election2024
