According to Austin ISD, a school bond election is when a school district asks voters for permission to sell bonds to fund capital projects, such as construction of new buildings, facility renovations and other improvements. If the election passes, a school district can sell bonds to investors to fund the projects and pay the bonds back over time and with interest. In November citizens will head to the polls to vote on AISD’s $1.05 billion bond (see Page 21). It is the largest bond in AISD’s history and includes projects that range from minor renovations to the construction of new schools. By approving AISD’s bond proposal, voters give its board of trustees the authority to sell bonds when a facility renovation or a new facility is needed. Projects in Southwest Austin include a new elementary school to relieve overcrowding at Kiker and Baranoff elementary schools, a rebuild of Menchaca Elementary School and a modernization project to expand Bowie High School.