Superintendent Paul Cruz began the discussion by reiterating the importance of a well-informed bond proposal that tackles the "worst first," ensures all students are warm, safe and dry, and addresses overcrowding.
"This is what we want, but it’s a matter of making sure we have a solid plan to get there and an approach the community accepts," he said.
The proposal, formed by the district's Facilities and Bond Planning Advisory Committee, calls for:
- 5 new schools
- 14 comprehensive projects, including facility repairs, remodels or partial rebuilds
- 12 targeted projects that address critical deficiencies
- Repurpose the original L.C. Anderson High School site
Additional projects included in the bond proposal address departmental needs and educational suitability deficiencies.
Some of the most significant projects include:
- Full or partial rebuilds of Brown, Casis and Menchaca Elementary schools and the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders
- New schools to relieve overcrowding at Doss, Kiker, Baranoff and Blazier Elementary schools
- Expand Bowie High School
- Relocate the Liberal Arts and Science Academy from Northeast Austin to a more centralized location
The district's Chief Financial Officer Nicole Conley Johnson said AISD has the capacity to spend $1 billion in bond project implementation without having to raise its property tax rate.
The proposed package carries a price tag of approximately $1.5 billion, meaning taxpayers could see a maximum tax rate increase of 3 cents per $100 valuation. If approved, the first increase in the tax rate could occur in 2023, with the maximum tax rate imposed in 2024.
Johnson stressed that during the 2013 bond proposal discussions, the district articulated a tax rate increase of 3.5 cents, but as a result of refinancing old debts and growth in assessed property values, a tax rate increase never occurred.
"We feel fairly confident we can take on additional debt capacity without impact on taxpayers," she said.
The trustees are scheduled to call for a November bond election on June 19.
