Houston ISD officials are hosting a series of opportunities for community members to learn more about a potential bond proposal that could be included in the Nov. 5 election.

The overview

In a May 22 news release, HISD officials said they are exploring options for a bond worth between $4 billion-$5 billion that would prioritize the following needs without raising taxes:

• Safe and healthy schools
• Future-ready learning environments to help prepare students entering an increasingly technology-driven workforce
• Modernized schools

“As the HISD community continues to recover from last week’s storm, the need for investment in our aging facility infrastructure has become even more acute,” officials said in the release.

A closer look

The last time HISD officials called for a bond election was in 2012, leaving dozens of campuses in need of renovations and upgrades, officials said.

According to the news release, the community engagement meetings will be held on the following dates:

• May 28, 6-8 p.m., Forest Brook Middle School, 7525 Tidwell Road, Houston
• May 30, 6-8 p.m., Cornelius Elementary School, 7475 Westover St., Houston
• June 1, 10-11 a.m., virtual meeting, with access information shared at a later date
• June 4, 6-8 p.m., Fondren Middle School, 6333 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston
• June 5, 6-8 p.m., Fleming Middle School, 4910 Collingsworth St., Houston

HISD officials said the district is creating a community advisory committee to help drive engagement with community members throughout the process. The committee will be made up of several elected HISD trustees, civic and faith leaders, educators, community advocates, and HISD parents.

Three local leaders will chair the committee, including:

• Judith Cruz, a former HISD trustee
• Garnet Coleman, a 30-year member of the Texas House of Representatives
• Scott McClelland, a retired president of H-E-B and co-founder of the education nonprofit Good Reason Houston

What they're saying

“Our students deserve to learn in safe and healthy environments,” Cruz said in the news release. “Our educators deserve to teach in innovative, effective classrooms. These are the most basic and imperative building blocks we can provide our students as they prepare to reach their potential and fulfill their dreams.”

Get involved

Community members interested in attending the information sessions can reserve a spot at the events here.