In Dragon Nation, excellence is an expectation. This month, the community can help Dragons continue this tradition of excellence by voting yes in Carroll's school bond election. The Carroll School Board unanimously called for a $208 million bond election on Saturday, May 6. On the ballot is a single proposition to include projects identified and recommended by more than 40 citizens and employees on a Capital Needs Planning Committee (CNPC).
“Getting out to vote yes is each individual's opportunity and responsibility to help provide for and continue with the excellence of CISD,” says Christopher Archer, Carroll School Board president. “The vast majority of us moved to Southlake because of the quality of the schools and for our children. Along with the City of Southlake, it is what continues to keep our home values high and community so desirable.”
As a Chapter 41 Robin Hood district, Carroll ISD is estimated to surrender $19 million in local tax dollars back to Texas this year. The state has recaptured more than $215 million from CISD since the district became a Chapter 41 district in 2001.
However, bond dollars fall on the capital side of the budget, which is not subject to Robin Hood. “And most importantly,” Archer adds, “there isn't any planned tax increase to our taxpayers.”
More than half of the $208 million project list involves maintenance and upkeep of existing facilities. “Much of this bond package is not flashy; it's for maintenance and lifecycle-type items,” Archer says. “However, the CNPC put so much thought and effort into their recommendations, that it truly encompasses all campuses and all students.”
Bill Webb, a Southlake resident who volunteered on the CNPC, says that everything in the package has a specific need. “We don't feel like anything is superfluous. What's there is needed. This recommendation is very well thought out, and many people have shared input,” he says.
The bond benefits all Dragons, regardless of interest or extra or co-curricular activities, from band and theatre to STEM and athletics. Even the youngest Dragons will benefit from new technology and learning opportunities.
Developing a package that doesn't involve a tax increase is the gold star on the homework assignment. “It obviously makes it a lot more palatable when there's no tax increase,” Webb says.
But even if the bond did end up increasing taxes, Webb would still be on board. “Most of us are here because of the education system,” he says. “Even if there had been a tax increase, [the CNPC] was prepared to take that to the community. We feel like it's such an investment in our schools.”
Whether your children are currently in Carroll ISD or they have already graduated, Archer urges citizens to cast their ballots in support of the bond package—if not for current Dragons, then for those to come.
“Although most of my children have graduated or are older and may not feel the long-term effects of this bond package, as a Southlake homeowner and resident and as CISD Board President, I feel that it is all of Southlake's responsibility to get out and vote yes for this bond,” says Archer. “It will ensure that the future generations of Dragons will have the same opportunities and successes that those before them have had.”
“GETTING OUT TO VOTE YES IS EACH INDIVIDUAL'S OPPORTUNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP PROVIDE FOR AND CONTINUE WITH THE EXCELLENCE OF CISD.”
—CHRISTOPHER ARCHER CARROLL SCHOOL BOARD
Funding Overview-The $208 Million Bond will be divided into four focus areas.
1. MAINTENANCE, TRANSPORTATION, SAFETY AND SECURITY | $104 MILLION
General maintenance (flooring, ceiling tiles, paint, roofs); site work (paving, sidewalks, parking lots, driveways); mechanical, electrical and plumbing projects; school buses and maintenance vehicles; surveillance cameras and keyless entry systems
2. TECHNOLOGY/INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMMING | $45 MILLION
Infrastructure (phones, bell system, wireless, servers, switches, etc.); classroom present-ation resources; 21st Century collaborative spaces; student devices (laptops, iPads, etc.)
3. EXTRACURRICULAR/CO-CURRICULAR $41 MILLION Performing arts center for band/choir; renovations for STEM, theatre, language labs, journalism, etc.; artificial field turf on competition/practice fields; band instruments and uniforms; Aquatics Center and Dragon Stadium renovations
4. BUILDING USE/CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS $18 MILLION Elementary classroom additions; core spaces and front office expansions; ADA compliance projects; language labs and robotics; canopies over student walkways
The bond benefits all Dragons, regardless of interest or extra or co-curricular activities, from band and theatre to STEM and athletics. Even the youngest Dragons will benefit from new technology and learning opportunities.
DATES TO REMEMBER
APRIL 6: VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE
APRIL 24-MAY 2: EARLY VOTING
MAY 6: ELECTION DAY
Need more facts?
Visit CarrollBudget.com for more information.