Video

Cynthia Vega reports

More Politics

• View larger
• E-mail clip
• More video

Related links:

• Keller ISD bond election
• Where do I vote?
• More campaign coverage

Search Video:

KELLER — With Election Day now exactly one week away, one issue on the ballot in Keller is raising eyebrows: The school district is asking taxpayers to fund a new football stadium.

With the economy sagging and expenses up, the Lowes — like many parents — are having a hard time justifying the Keller ISD's latest request.

"Education is much more important than putting it into a football stadium," said Morris Lowe.

The suburban Fort Worth school district is trying to convince voters to approve a $25.6 million bond package to build a second football stadium at Timber Creek High School. Administrators say space is running out for games as the district prepares to open its fourth high school.

"It's so difficult often to ask people to vote to raise their own taxes," said Keller ISD Superintendent James Veitenheimer. "My only response to that is there's never a good time for that — today is no better or no worse, probably."

WFAA-TV

A second bond issue would help upgrade computer gear for Keller ISD students.

Still, the idea of a new stadium is so jarring to some that the district put the stadium request up for its own vote, separated from a second, $140 million bond package to build and renovate schools and to upgrade aging computers in the classroom.

"Full-day kindergarten cannot happen without the addition of this new building, so, bottom line — nothing much will change," Veitenheimer said.

But the $25 million plan for the district's athletic department remains controversial, even for boosters like Kellye Baum.

"In these economic times, I think its a little harder to say 'yes,' but I think ... a month ago, I would have been more dead set on it," she said.

This is the third bond election in Keller in the last four years, and even if both measures are approved, it certainly won't be the last.

The distict is already planning on asking taxpayers for more money in another four years.

E-mail cvega@wfaa.com