Voters in the Austin (Texas) district have overwhelmingly passed the largest school bond proposal in its history--a $2.4 billion package that will pay for two dozen school remodels, technology investment and renovations to athletic facilities.
The Austin American-Statesman reports that Proposition A, a $2.3 billion ballot question, won 72.6% of the 259,897 votes cast. Proposition B, a $75.5 million request for technology funds, was favored by 72.1% of 257,670 votes, and Proposition C, a $47.4 million proposal for athletic facility upgrades, passed with 58.1% of 256,132 votes.
Every campus will get improvements of some kind through the bond, the district says.
Officials say the bond funds will enable the district to improve decades-old facilities that contain aging air conditioning systems, outdated technology and other facility improvements.
The district plans to add a secure vestibule and entry point at every school. The bond proposal also includes funding for additional fencing and locks.
Bond funds also will address critical deficiencies such as HVAC, plumbing, roof and other chronic maintenance issues.
Austin also plans to modernize 25 schools through full or phased renovations. These projects will help ensure that students in older buildings have equal access to safe, healthful and comfortable learning environments, the district says.
