On Aug. 16, Birdville ISD’s Board of Trustees unanimously called for a bond election to be held as part of the general election on Nov. 6. BISD voters are being asked to consider a $252.8 million bond package that was developed with extensive community input by a diverse group of citizens from all parts of the District. The package approved by the Board addresses: safety and security upgrades at every campus; replacing five campuses with four (Haltom Middle School, Richland Middle School, Smithfield Elementary School and Major Cheney Elementary/Richland Elementary [Partner School]); renovations at Smithfield Middle School and Haltom High School; critical repair/renovation needs requiring action in the next three years; and technology upgrades Districtwide. This plan impacts every student, staff member, facility and community served by BISD.

The proposed bond package:

• Eliminates more than 50 portable classrooms across the District;
• Provides additional safety and security measures throughout the District;
• Funds technology upgrades to address instructional needs;
• Moves from a 5:1 student-to-technology ratio to a 2:1 student-to-technology ratio;
• Addresses priority repair/renovation needs (requiring action in the next one to three years), roofs and HVAC;
• Replaces five existing facilities that are more than 60 years old with four new facilities that require less money to operate and maintain. They are: Haltom Middle School, Richland Middle School, Smithfield Elementary School and Major Cheney Elementary/Richland Elementary [Partner School].
• Will be monitored by a Board-appointed citizen’s bond oversight committee to monitor the scope, timeline and expenditure of bond funds.

If BISD voters approve this bond package, School property tax rates will not increase as a result of this bond proposal.

Early voting is Oct. 22 – Nov. 2, and Election Day is Nov. 6.

For specific information on the 2018 bond package, visit www.bisdbond18.net.