“I think we need to really listen to them, what do they have to say, ... listening to everybody and figuring out what are the next steps,” Meyers said.
MISD Assistant Superintendent of Operations Erich Morris also said he believes the district will now be behind in meeting the needs of the district from a building capacity perspective.
“The students are still coming,” Morris said. “The developments will continue to build, and so the needs of the district have not changed.”
The three propositions, had they passed, would have allowed the district to fund, among other things, the construction of a third high school, two elementary schools, a second natatorium and facility upgrades. MISD trustees voted Aug. 11 to put the three bond propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot, as previously reported by Community Impact.
Morris said that while the district was disappointed by the election results, they were encouraged by the voter turnout.
“We appreciate all of those who took the time to get out and vote,” Morris said.
Morris also said he believes the bond package—totaling $516.92 million among the three propositions—was well-structured.
“I think the ability to be able to take on and meet the needs of the district without having to adjust the tax rate, I think, was a frugal approach,” Morris said.
In their own words
Michelle Holmes, who’s lived in Magnolia since 2019, said she felt hopeful when she first learned about the bond propositions and was heartbroken when they didn’t pass.
“The proposed improvements weren’t about luxury; they were about keeping up with growth and ensuring that every student has access to the tools and facilities they need to succeed,” Holmes said.
Tim Gideon, who’s lived in Magnolia since 1972, also said he voted for the bond propositions and felt they were necessary.
“Magnolia is no longer the little town that it once was,” Gideon said. “I grew up in Magnolia when it was a little town. But it no longer is, and ... you have to stay ahead of the need. And I feel that the bond election covered that thought—that they’re staying ahead of the need.”
However, Charles Cartwright, a Magnolia resident for over 25 years, said he voted against all three bond propositions and was elated when they didn’t pass.
“The previous bonds that had passed only raised taxes, not immediately, but over time, my property values have been artificially inflated to increase the tax level they received,” Cartwright said.
What’s next
The district will likely go out for another bond in the future. What that could look like or when that happens is up to the school board, Morris said. The earliest the district could go out for another bond is next May.
Morris also said the district will work to get feedback from voters following the bond election.
“While we believe our communication efforts to push out the facts of the bond were strong, it is certainly one of the many topics that must be analyzed,” Morris said. “Voter feedback will shape how we move forward in the future.”
