For the second time in two years a proposal which would change the face of the Thorndale ISD is in the hands of school district voters.
Early voting on a “mix and match” bond issue which would cost $12,940,000 if all options are approved, begins Monday in the Thorndale ISD administration building.
Milano voters can also begin voting early that day. There’s only a school board election to be decided in Milano..
BONDS—Thorndale has the big bond vote and it comes on the heels of TISD voters rejecting a $12.5-million bond package by a vote of 229-168.
Trustees gathered information and proposed a new package but with a major difference. Voters don’t have to accept or reject the whole bond issue but may “pick and choose,” voting for any, all or none.
HOURS—Early voting hours at the administration building are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and again April 27, with extended hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 25 and May 1.
Several public information sessions have been held. A final one is set for 6 p.m. Monday in the TISD Ag Building.
Supt. Adam Ivy said the 2018 effort is the result of months of in put from TISD residents following last year’s election.
“We wanted them to tell us what they didn’t like about it and incorporated what we heard from them into this package,” he said.
PROPOSALS—Here are the options:
• Proposition A ($9,870,000)—New, two-story high school with 19 classrooms.
At elementary, new secure entry, office space renovation, new connecting corridor to cafeteria.
Convert current middle school into fourth and fifth-grade building, renovate current office space into special education classroom, three rooms become cafeteria seating.
Current high school becomes middle school. Library and office space swap locations, renovation.
Renovate cafeteria and expand into adjacent boiler room.
New asphalt parking lot with 16 additional spaces.
Proposition B ($2,390,000)—Expand and renovate current band hall.
Complete renovation of current vocational ag/CTE Building.
Install heating/AC in middle school gym, remodel west end concessions, restrooms and more.
Enclose elementary pavilion, install heating/air conditioning.
• Proposition C ($680,000)—Resurface existing track.
Add parking lot with 50 spaces behind home bleachers.
Land purchase for future construction.
PRICE TAGS—According to the TISD, passage of A and B only would increase the tax rate by 41.77 cents, A-only by 31 cents, B-only by 7.42 cents and C-only by 2.62 cents. If only B and C pass the rate would go up 9.54 cents.
If A and C pass, the tax increase would be 34.09 cents.
Should all three pass, and the tax rate increase 44.85 cents the burden on a $100,000 home in the Thorndale ISD would increase by $336.36, according to the Thorndale ISD.
(That figure includes the impact of the districts $25,000 homestead exemption).
MORE RACES—It’s a joint city-school election and here are the other races Thorndale voters can start deciding on Monday:
• TISD school board—Incumbents Ann Glenn and Adam Fisher, along with challenger Trey Gilchrist, in a three-person race for two positions. Chad Martinka is unopposed for the remainder of an unexpired term.
Thorndale City—Mayor Mara McDowell opposed by George Galbreath; Sam Pickett (incumbent), Allen Hejl, Steven Zuehlke, Ashley (Towery) Moehling and Wayne Green in race for three at-large slots.
MILANO—Early voting for the Milano School Board race begins Monday in the MISD Administration Building.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Monday and continuing weekdays through Tuesday, May 1.
Incumbents John Yakesch and Shawn Walton, along with Amanda Honeycutt Cain are in a three-person chase seeking two full terms on the board.
Incumbent Michael Andrews, has filed for a partial term.
There’s no Milano City Council election as incumbent Edward Lenz was the only candidate filing, even though two terms expire.
That leaves the council to fill one position.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.