Bond 2018 Proposal

 

Unofficial General Results

 

Goose Creek CISD District, Texas

May 5, 2018

Goose Creek Consolidated ISD Special Election



Proposition A
Early Election Day Total
For 1,420 236 1,656
Against 1,624 477 2,101
Total 3,044 713 3,757



Proposition B
Early Election Day Total
For 1,341 203 1,544
Against 1,747 511 2,258
Total 3,088 714 3,802


 

 

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EXHIBIT B

 


 

GOOSE CREEK CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
BAYTOWN, TEXAS
EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS
MAY 5, 2018, SPECIAL ELECTION

 

LOCATIONS


DATES AND HOURS


EARLY VOTING BY MAIL:


Goose Creek CISD

Administration Building

4544 Interstate 10 East

 

Johnny T. Clark, Jr. Elementary School

6033 N. Hwy. 146

 

Ross S. Sterling High School

300 W. Baker Road

 

Baytown Junior School

7707 Bayway Dr.

 

Highlands Elementary School

200 E. Wallisville Road, Highlands

 

George W. Carver Elementary School

600 Pruett

 

San Jacinto Elementary School

2615 Virginia

 

Victoria Walker Elementary School

4711 Seabird

 

Lorenzo De Zavala Elementary School

305 Tri-City Beach Road

 

Harlem Elementary School

3333 Interstate 10 East

 

Cedar Bayou Junior

2610 Elvinta

 

Monday-Friday

April 23 - April 27

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

 

Saturday April 28

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

Monday-Tuesday

April 30 - May 1

7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.


ELECTION DAY VOTING LOCATION

The polling location listed below will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on May 5, 2018:

 

Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District Administration Building

4544 Interstate 10 East

Baytown, Texas 77521

Applications for mail ballots for the Goose Creek CISD Bond Election may be submitted no later than April 24, 2018. Applications for mail ballots may be received by contacting Ms. Noemi Garcia, Early Voting Clerk, 4544 Interstate 10 East, Baytown, TX 77521, or by mail at P.O. Box 30, Baytown, Texas 77522, or email to ngarcia@gccisd.net, or by telephone at
281-707-3418.

 

Bond Proposal Includes Projects to Benefit Students Involved in Extracurricular Activities
03/23/2018

 image of res band at stall worth stadium

 

Bond Proposal Includes Projects to Benefit Students Involved in Extracurricular Activities

 

By Beth Dombrowa

 

Studies have shown that extracurricular activities help students achieve better academically, learn valuable social and coping skills, better manage their time and build self esteem. Projects included in the 2018 bond proposal address many needs within the district to support extracurricular programs available to students. If voters approve the bond, these are some of the projects and programs that will be included:

 

Lee Auditorium

Built in 1958, the auditorium at Robert E. Lee High School was constructed as a Broadway production theater. Over the decades, the auditorium has been a source of pride for the campus, alumni and the community, who have attended productions such as “Hello, Dolly”, “Fiddler On The Roof” and “The Wizard of Oz” in the 18,000-square-foot theater. In recent years, after decades of use, the auditorium is badly in need of repairs due to wear and tear. Proposition 1 includes funding for auditorium repairs and restoration, including new flooring, seating, ceiling, roof, acoustic materials, stage production equipment, stage lighting, ADA upgrades and minor exterior work.

 

Athletic Field Lighting

All systems and components have a life span and at or near the end of their life cycle, they must be replaced. The good news is that newer-technology replacement parts can be less expensive to operate and have a longer life span. Football, baseball and softball fields at Goose Creek Memorial High School, Robert E. Lee High School and Sterling High School are in need of new lighting. The current lighting packages are energy consuming, high intensity fixtures. If Proposition 1 of the 2018 bond proposal gets voter approval, the lighting at those fields will be replaced with LED light fixtures that consume less energy and require less maintenance.

 

Stallworth Stadium/Athletic Field House

Stallworth Stadium

The fifth largest stadium in Texas, Stallworth Stadium has seen better days. In fact, the 16,875-seat stadium needs an estimated $7.5 million worth of work. The proposed bond package includes paving the parking lot and adding LED lighting as an additional security feature. The concession stands on both home and visitors sides of the stadium are in need of upgrades, as are exterior doors. Adding an athletic field house will provide upgraded locker rooms and office space. The restrooms at Stallworth are similar to what they were in 1969 when Stallworth was built, so updated restrooms are also included in the proposal.

 

Fine Arts Programs and Equipment

Every student in GCCISD experiences a fine arts program at some point in their lives, and almost 40 percent of the student population stays enrolled in fine arts throughout high school. Instruments and equipment for fine arts programs are expensive; a single tuba can cost as much as $9,000. The district provides instruments for many students who are unable to afford them. The bond proposal includes funding for every level of fine arts within the district, providing supplies for elementary music classes, instruments for junior and high school-level band and orchestra students, risers for choirs and theatrical lighting for junior and high school auditoriums.

 

Junior School Running Tracks

Goose Creek CISD is one of very few school districts in the area that don’t currently have running tracks at its junior high schools. Proposition 1 of the bond proposal includes adding four-lane tracks at each of the GCCISD junior schools (including junior school number six, which will be built if the voters pass the bond.) Tracks are vital to the physical education curriculum as well as student growth. The tracks will also be open to the public for community use.

 

Robotics Practice Arena

Robotics Team Practicing

Interest in the robotics programs has skyrocketed in the past few years, possibly attributed to the success of Team Blarglefish, which won sixth in the world competition two years ago. An elective open to all junior and high school students, robotics is also an important component of the STEM Academy housed at Lee High School. Currently, students who compete on the robotics team don’t have adequate space to practice or store the robot they build for competition every January. If Proposition 1 passes, students will have a full-scale, 6,000 –square-foot course to practice on, as well as associated classrooms, making the team more competitive and giving more students an opportunity to explore the many aspects of robotics competition.

 

“Contrary to other sports, students in robotics value collaboration with their competitors. This is an important ethic that helps push technological solutions for our world,” said Keith Cummings, who oversees the robotics program in GCCISD. “Our team is similar to a business. Students fit into the organization in various roles, not knowing everything, they work together to be successful.”

 

Athletic Turf

If voters approve the bond proposal, more student athletes and fine arts students will be able to practice their sports or performances when the weather is less than ideal. Adding turf to the high school campus baseball, softball and competition fields will ultimately save the district money on grounds expenses, including seed and fertilizer, as well as paint. The district also won’t have to open Stallworth for practice any longer when field conditions at the high schools are poor due to weather.

These are just a few of the projects or programs included in the overall bond proposal. For more details, visit gccisd.net.

 

Early voting in the 2018 bond election runs April 23 – May 1 and election date is May 5. For a full list of voting locations, visit gccisd.net.

 


Bond 18 Proposal Overview
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Downloadable Presentations

Bond 18 Flyers

Elementary
Junior School
High School

Frequently Asked Questions

Election Day: MAY 5, 2018

Early Voting: April 23, 2018 - May 1, 2018

What is a schoolhouse bond?

A schoolhouse bond is the primary method many school districts use to pay for capital improvements. It operates similar to a home mortgage. It allows districts to construct, improve, renovate and equip facilities, purchase technology and purchase school sites and then spread the cost over the life, or portion of the life, of the capital improvement.

How were the needs for this bond referendum identified and what amount is needed?

Needs for expanded facilities and renovations were determined through facility assessments by professional engineers and architects and through Citizens Facilities Planning Committee (CFPC) meetings. Priorities were developed by the community committee and the professionals prepared cost estimates for the needs. Many scenarios were evaluated, and consideration was given to additions, renovations, and new facilities. These volunteers were asked to consider the best long-term value to the district when making their recommendations. It was determined by the professionals and Facilities Planning Committee that $437.4 million would be required to fund the current proposed projects.

Who decided on the amount and specifics of the bond proposal?

The GCCISD Board of Trustees made the final determination on the amount and specifics of the bond proposal based on the recommendation of the Citizens Facilities Planning Committee.

What are the plans for the funds?

The funds will be used for many improvements across the District, including:

  • construct a new junior school and two new elementary schools,
  • replace San Jacinto Elementary,
  • construct a new Special Education/Curriculum and Instruction Center,
  • upgrade technology district-wide,
  • build a Robotics practice arena,
  • renovate the Robert E. Lee Auditorium,
  • construct Phases 2 and 2A of Stuart Career Tech High School,
  • renovate Stallworth Stadium,
  • add athletic running tracks to the junior schools,
  • upgrade campus security measures,
  • build a multipurpose center, and
  • add an athletic field house to Stallworth Stadium, as well as complete mechanical, electrical and plumbing projects throughout the district. A full list of projects included in the bond is available on gccisd.net.

How many propositions will be on the ballot?

There will be two propositions.
Proposition One

Proposition One includes projects that address district growth, 21st century learning and facilities needs and improvements. The total for Proposition One is $376,905,000.

Proposition Two

Proposition Two includes the construction of a multipurpose center for district offices, student competitions, graduation, convocation, prom, band, choir, and orchestra concerts and competitions, student learning opportunities and rental facilities. The total for Proposition Two is $60,500,000.

How will this affect me as a homeowner?

Below are the scenarios, based on an average taxable home value of $100,000: Current tax rate: $1.43 Taxes Due: $1,432 Proposition One: Projected Tax Rate: $1.53 Taxes Due: $1,532 Proposition One and Two: Projected Tax Rate: $1.55 Taxes Due: $1,552

 

In other words, if voters approve both propositions, the average taxpayer would see a tax increase of approximately $10 per month.

How will this affect the taxes of Goose Creek ISD residents older than 65?

School district taxes on resident homesteads are frozen in the year a taxpayer turns 65 years of age and will not increase because of this school bond election.

How can you be sure we will have the growth that is predicted?

The district hired a demographer, Population and Survey Analysts (PASA), to perform student growth projections. Coupled with predictions of 8,000 new homes in the area in the coming 10 years, the demographer predicts that 3,000 more students will be added to Goose Creek CISD schools over the next 10 years.

If the taxable value in the district continues to grow, why must we raise taxes and sell bonds?

The space shortage of the district requires that additional educational space be provided. The cost to provide this new and renovated space exceeds the available revenue at the current tax rate.

Was the 2013 bond successful?

Yes, it was very successful. The 2013 bond projects will be complete this year. The bond will be completed on time and almost $5 million under budget.

How can you be certain that the bond projects will be well managed?

The district’s Facilities Planning and Construction Department has full-time staff to facilitate every process of construction projects. The department has project inspectors, managers, and clerks for a complete oversite of every project.

 

Additionally, the Board and Administration support the utilization of local industry, business and community expertise, known as the Citizens Bond Advisory Committee (CBAC), in advising the district in the management of a bond program. This process was very successful in the 2005 and 2013 bond programs. A CBAC would be assembled to advise the district.

Why don’t we use the bond money to pay for teacher salaries?

The law is very specific about what bond funds can be used for. Bond money cannot be used for salaries.

Can the San Jacinto Elementary campus be remodeled instead of replaced?

San Jacinto Elementary is on a very small parcel of land – just over 2 acres, versus the average of 15 acres of land that’s necessary for an adequate elementary school. The facility requires ADA-compliant upgrades, the classrooms and library are much smaller than the district’s newer schools, the vehicle circulation is inefficient, and parking is limited. Given the school’s constricted site and outdated design approach, many issues would not be fully addressed by simply renovating the existing building. Renovating the existing campus is significantly more expensive than building a new school on district-owned property near the current location.

What will happen if the bond election does not pass?

The needs will not go away. They will continue and increase in costs (inflation), and the District anticipates it would have to call for another bond election in the future. Note: current interest rates (the cost of borrowing money) have remained at all-time historical lows, providing an optimal time to sell school bonds. It is expected to cost more in the future to finance the capital improvements needed.

Where will the new schools be located?

The junior school will be located near Goose Creek Memorial High School. We anticipate needing one elementary school north of I-10 and another elementary school south of I-10, although both schools are needed to accommodate growth in the northern portion of our community.

What is the timeline for the completion of all bond projects?

Construction projects would likely begin in mid-2018 as design work progresses. The time table for construction will depend in large part on the availability of land, materials and an adequate construction work force. We would make every effort to complete all projects within five years.

Will this bond issue eliminate the need for portable buildings in our district?

It will go a long way in reducing the number of portables being used in the district; however, due to our student growth rate and high mobility rate, we will likely have some portable buildings at some campuses.

Why can’t the district pay for new buildings and improvements out of the operating budget?

School districts in Texas operate under a budget consisting of two tax supported portions. One is the maintenance and operations fund and the other is the debt fund. Tax rates to support both funds are limited by State Law. The maintenance and operations fund support not only maintenance and operations of buildings but also teacher salaries, benefits and supporting programs. The I & S (debt fund) supports larger capital improvements where it is not feasible to pay for an improvement within a given fiscal budget year. The debt is spread out over an extended period much like a homeowner’s mortgage.

How does the bond process work?

Following voter approval of a bond referendum, and only then, with approval of the Board of Trustees, bonds are sold from time to time to investors at a competitive or negotiated sale.

  • Bond proceeds are delivered to the school district about five weeks after the bond sale and are invested until spent during the construction process.
  • Bond proceeds can be used only for capital improvements and related costs.
  • Each year, the Board of Trustees sets a tax rate in two parts. The maintenance and operations rate is used to cover operating costs (salaries, supplies, equipment, insurance, utilities, etc.) while the debt service rate pays off principal and interest due on bonds.

Why do new schools cost so much?

All construction costs for any district facility built, are subject to Gulf Coast market commercial construction rates. Construction inflation typically outpaces general annual inflation as has been reflected in our 2013 bond school construction.

How long does the district have to repay the bonds?

The District can choose an amortization schedule for repayment. Typical pay back periods range from 20 to 30 years. The district currently intends to use a 30-year amortization schedule for this proposed bond, although the final amortization will be determined at the time of issuance for each series of bonds.

Does the district currently owe for any previous schoolhouse bonds?

What is the retirement schedule?

The total outstanding debt as of August 31, 2018 is $639,923,921. This is comprised of outstanding principal payments of $455,177,591 plus outstanding interest payments of $194,746,330. The current debt outstanding is scheduled for retirement in the year 2041.

What is current enrollment for the entire district?

23,539 (as of February 2018)

What is the benefit of having two propositions, as opposed to one larger proposition?

Completing one project out of several does not solve the District’s needs. Thus, all major projects are combined on Proposition One on the ballot. Given the public interest in the multipurpose center, the Board decided to allow the voters to separately vote on that facility.

Will one contractor be hired to do all the work?

Historically, GCCISD has hired several general contractors to construct projects, based on a submission of qualifications and thorough evaluation. This allows the district to select contractors with project-specific experience and for flexibility of project scheduling throughout the bond.

Will one architect be hired for all the design?

Historically, GCCISD has hired several architecture firms to design projects, based on a submission of qualifications and thorough evaluation. This allows the district to select firms with project-specific experience and for flexibility of project scheduling throughout the bond.

Could you provide an estimated breakdown of what funding is potentially available from the state that could offset construction costs included in the proposed bond and the estimated potential impact to the tax rate?

Lawmakers have designated funds to assist local school districts in financing bonds. However, the state has not contributed historically to the GCCISD annual obligation to pay back the bonds.

Will local contractors be allowed to participate in the renovation or construction of facilities proposed in the bond?

Absolutely! It has been the district’s practice to hire any professionals that meet the state and local policies. The School District will follow all state law and local policy in seeking and accepting bids and proposals for professional services related to all areas of the bond projects. This has been common-practice for our current and all previous bond referendums.

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