Voters approve all 3 propositions in $1.26B Fort Bend ISD bond
Published: Sun, 05/07/23
Voters approve all 3 propositions in $1.26B Fort Bend ISD bond
By Jessica Shorten, Vanessa Holt; Community Impact
Fort Bend ISD put a $1.26 billion bond referendum before voters on May 6. (Community Impact staff)
Voters supported all three propositions in the $1.26B Fort Bend ISD bond on May 6.
Proposition A, which included $1.18 billion for construction, security and other projects including a new elementary and new middle school, received 12,398 votes, or 65.66% of the vote, in favor of the measure and 6,484, or 34.34% against.
Proposition B, for $52.5 million in computer upgrades, received 12,560 votes, or 66.62% of the vote, and 6.292 votes, or 33.38% opposing the measure.
Proposition C, for $22.9 million for a new natatorium, was endorsed with 10,663 votes, or 56.67% of the vote, while 8,154, or 43.33% of voters opposed it.
All results are unofficial until canvassed.
"We're just excited about the community support for the schools and think this sends a huge message that our schools are very respected and they are excited about the direction we're going,” Superintendent Christie Whitebeck said after initial election resulted were announced on May 6. “So we're thrilled."
She said the district will proceed to plan for its next steps immediately.
“The next steps are to work with the board on strategic planning and vision for like the next eight to 10 years, and where we see ourselves and Fort Bend going,” she said. “We're actually working on engaging in that within the next week and looking for the right leadership to take us through that process with our community. So, lots and lots of good things ahead but also continuing to the programs and the things that we already have in place while we put this bond in movement."
Early and absentee voting results in the May 6 election for the $1.26 million Fort Bend ISD bond referendum show voter support for all three propositions.
The bond is split into three propositions:
- The $1.18 billion Proposition A encompasses construction, security, transportation and technology upgrades. Of that sum, $463 million is set aside for major projects, including facility rebuilds, a new elementary school and a new middle school.
- Proposition B would cover nearly $52.5 million for computer upgrades districtwide.
- Proposition C concerns $22.9 million for a new district natatorium in the southeast portion of the district.
Proposition B received 8,468 votes, or 67.06% of early and absentee votes, in favor of the measure. There were 4,160 votes, or 32.94% of the vote, against it.
Proposition C received 7,208 votes for the measure, or 57.22% of the vote. There were 5,390 votes against the measure, or 42.78% of the vote.
If the bond referendum passes, the district projects the tax rate would increase to $1.14 per $100 property valuation for the 2023-24 tax year. Residents with a $300,000 home would see a $30 increase to their annual tax bill.
All results are unofficial until canvassed.
Renee Farmer contributed to this report.