Bond packages in suburban school districts approved

Voters in three suburban school districts approved significant bond proposals Saturday totaling over a billion dollars.

Highland Park ISD residents overwhelmingly approved a $75.4 million bond measure, which was the district's first in almost 10 years.

About half of the money is earmarked for repairs and improving security at each campus. The other half will go toward reconfiguring classroom space and expanding buildings to create more classrooms.

All seven of the district's campuses will get money.

"I am deeply grateful to the community for supporting the bond issue and for investing in the maintenance of the historical schoolhouses that have served the students of HPISD for many decades," Superintendent Dr. Cathy Bryce said.

The Highland Park measure was opposed by fewer than 200 people. Officials say crowding has been a problem as student enrollment has surged by almost 50 percent since 1991.

In addition to crowded schools, the district's facilities committee also found outdated plumbing, leaky roofs and many portable classrooms.

The bond program will raise annual taxes by $382 for the owner of a $955,227 house, which is the district's average home value.

In Lewisville ISD, voters approved a $697 million proposition that includes new schools, renovations, technology updates and land purchases. It also includes an additional natatorium, high school stadium and career center.

But a measure that called for building a special events center narrowly failed. The $79 million project would have been used to hold graduations, athletic events, performances and concerts, as well as outside events.

But Lewisville ISD will get nine new schools under the proposition that did pass.

Two middle schools, three elementary campuses, three ninth-grade centers and a school for ninth- and 10th-graders are set to be built.

Voters in Plano gave the green light to a $490 million bond issue, the school district's largest ever. The package will build four schools to the fast-growing east as well as expand and renovate campuses across the district.

Under the plan, the owner of a $257,900 home, the district's average, will pay about $166 extra in school taxes over five years.

The bond package sets aside money for a new preschool and middle school in East Plano, an elementary school in Parker and a school for grades nine and 10 in Murphy. The money also will cover expansions at the three senior high schools, an alternative school, Vines High School, Haggard Middle School and Forman Elementary School.

New computer equipment and building renovations also are part of the package.

Some of the most vocal supporters of the district's bond issue came from neighboring Murphy.

"Whether it was east or west, regardless of what side of Plano Independent School District folks were on, they all recognized it would benefit students across the district," said Gordon Hanson, a retired businessman from Murphy. "I think there was a solidarity of mind."