Three elementary schools are projected to near capacity by next year. Magnolia West High School will exceed capacity in two years, and within three more years more than half of the district’s campuses will be close to or above their limits.
To address this, Proposition A includes $469 million for the construction of High School No. 3, Elementary School No. 10 and Elementary School No. 11. It also funds district-wide safety and security upgrades, land acquisition and new buses.
“[Opening a new school] takes a few years of planning, especially for larger buildings like a high school, so that is what brings us to this point,” Superintendent Jason Bullock, Ph.D., said.
A committee of 42 community members developed the bond. They studied growth, facilities, transportation, land and district finances before recommending projects. Bullock said the focus is on preparing for growth while maintaining small class sizes.
How will extracurricular activities benefit?
Proposition B allocates $22.9 million to construct multipurpose indoor facilities that will serve not only high school athletes, but also band, drill team, Reserve Officers' Training Corps, or ROTC, and other groups.
The investment would impact a significant portion of the student body, with nearly half of each high school’s students involved in extracurriculars.
“For perspective, we have about 2,300 students at each high school,” Chief Communications Officer Denise Meyers said. “Of those, about 1,100 participate in ... athletics, band, cheer [and] dance, so we’re talking about a large percentage of the student population being able to benefit.”
The covered facilities are also intended to protect students from extreme heat.
What about swimming and aquatics?
Proposition C proposes $24 million to build a second district natatorium on the west side, serving Magnolia West High School and the future High School No. 3.
Currently, a single swim center must accommodate both high schools, the Magnolia Aquatic Club, junior high programs and community use.
On average, 500 swimmers use the existing pool daily, starting as early as 5:30 a.m. The Magnolia Aquatic Club has 215 members and a waitlist of 60. Officials said a second facility would not only reduce overcrowding, but also shorten commute times for west-side families.
How will the district ensure financial accountability?
Assistant Superintendent of Operations Erich Morris, Ph.D., said transparency has been central to the bond planning process, with all committee materials and presentations posted online. Magnolia ISD also maintains its Money Matters website, which has earned multiple state awards for financial transparency.
Since 2009, the district has saved $71 million in principal and interest by paying off debt early. As a result, the bond can be issued without raising the current tax rate of $0.95.
“We’ve been aggressive with paying debt off early to be good stewards,” Bullock said.
How are safety and security included?
The bond would invest in fire alarm upgrades, improved technology infrastructure and updated surveillance cameras.
“The No. 1 thing we do is keep kids safe,” Bullock said. “That comes even before educating them.”
What is the bottom line for voters?
In the past year alone, Magnolia ISD’s enrollment has grown 3.4%. District leaders stressed that the bond will allow them to stay ahead of growth, preserve smaller class sizes and improve safety, all without increasing the tax rate.
“I think the biggest thing ... is that this was a community-driven decision,” Meyers said. “It impacts every student [and] every campus. It’s really addressing growth, and it’s addressing safety and security.”
What’s next?
Magnolia ISD officials continue to speak at community events to share information ahead of the November 4 election.
“We’re not telling people how to vote,” Bullock said. “We just want people to be informed and make informed decisions.”
Election day is November 4. Magnolia ISD encourages all residents to learn more about the bond and make their voice heard at the polls. Click here to dive deeper into the bond today.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
