The district has a 4-part bond on the May ballot.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Gregory-Portland ISD is asking voters to consider a four-part bond package on the May ballot, addressing a range of district needs from safety to the arts.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Cavazos said each project listed within the bond was carefully considered with input from a bond stakeholder committee.
Considering things like enrollment projections and community growth helped the district come up projects that are listed in Prop A, such as the addition of district wide safety and security measures or helping out the area’s growing skilled trade field
“One of our projects is for career and technical additions and renovations,” Cavazos said. “That’s an area that’s really growing. For example, our welding program — we’ve got a waiting list and it’s a high demand, high wage job. So that’s an example of a programmatic need that helps drive what’s included on a bond.”
Proposition B would fund a reimbursement resolution, allowing the district to repay its maintenance and operations account using money from its interest and sinking (I&S) fund. In short, the district covers certain costs upfront and reimburses itself later with voter-approved bond funds.
“Should Proposition B pass, those funds from I and S that are 90% funded by industry would be reimbursed to the maintenance and operation fund,” Cavazos said. “The maintenance and operation fund runs our district day to day.”
Proposition C, tagged at $20 million, would replace aging student devices and integrate new technology and interactive displays into the classroom.
Proposition D would fund a $60 million visual and performing arts academic center. The new space would give the district a larger venue for student programs.
“Currently, the biggest auditorium space we have is just a little over 300 occupancy,” Cavazos said. “We really have a need for a larger space for our performing arts programming, as well as academic spaces that are linked to visual and performing arts.”
Cavazos said the district’s tax rate is currently $1.10. That is a drop from $1.35 a decade ago. She noted that rate will remain the same, even if the bond passes.
Tuesday, April 29 is the last day to cast your vote early. Election day is Saturday, May 3. For more on the full list of bond projects and polling locations, click here.
