CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Beeville ISD school officials and members of the community are hoping their new school bond proposal passes come election time.
“It’s not a matter of wanting, it's a matter of needing,” said Leticia Munoz, president of the Beeville ISD School Board.
The new bond proposes closing down two campuses: RA Hall and FMC Elementary School; both of which are more than 50 years old.
The bond would then cover the cost to build one larger elementary school that would serve 1st through 5th graders.
“As far as efficiency, the expense of keeping up with utilities and the expense of keeping up with the up to code is very difficult because of the age of them,” said Monica Elliott, member of the PAC.
“So why not drop them both and build another one,” said John Gutierrez. “You have modern technology you have safety and security for the students.”
This would be Beeville ISD's second attempt at passing their school bond. Only this time the price tag is set lower than before at $37.9 million.
The bond aims to cut operation costs by only having one elementary school campus instead of two.
It also outlines a new safety and security system that would restrict access to its campuses.
As for property taxes, Beeville homeowners would see an increase of $9.30/month for the average household.
But, several community members say, those extra bucks are worth it.
“The environment that you're in makes a huge difference and so our kids are going to perform to the level of where they are and if they're in aging schools that potentially could affect their potential,” said Elliott.
“The most important thing is to be innovative to create innovated spaces for our children,” said Munoz.
Beeville school board officials say teacher and staff jobs would not be affected by the closing of the two aged elementary schools.
The PAC will hold an information meeting next week for community members.
Meeting will be held at the John Gallaway Buildng (120 N Washington St) at 5pm-7pm
