The McAllen (Texas) school district is asking voters in May to approve a $297 million bond proposal to address facility needs throughout the 25,000-student system.

The proposal on the May 9 ballot has been scaled down from a $440 million package recommended by a committee of stakeholders that evaluated the condition of the district's facilities.

McAllen has broken down its funding request into five categories:

• 21st-Century Education, $201 million. That includes construction of additional classrooms and labs; improvements that enhance natural light, sound insulation, air quality and collaborative learning; and upgraded libraries and learning centers.
• Mechanical, $36 million. Improvements would increase electrical capacity; upgrade plumbing and HVAC systems; and boost energy efficiency.
• Interior Needs, $23 million. Schools would get door and window upgrades, improved gymnasium and cafeteria facilities and other enhancements.
• Exterior Needs, $23 million. Bonds would pay to upgrade roofing and parking lots, improve site drainage and add playground equipment.
• Safety and Security, $14 million. McAllen would add system to control site entry; fencing; emergency lighting, surveillance cameras and other enhancements.

The district commissioned a facility condition assessment to determine which schools were candidates for renovation and which should be replaced. The plan calls for the replacement of a majority of McAllen High School and Memorial High School, construction of a new campus that will house the Achieve Early College High School, IB Academy, and the Lamar Academy; and a new agriculture facility.