Scheduled for the same day of Arlington’s general election, MISD is holding a bond election on May 4, with the option of early voting, to approve propositions regarding district renovations and projects.
“The Bond Package would give our dance and drill team department an opportunity to learn and train in facilities that are comparable to that of our peers,” Drill Coach Ekena Hawkins said. “Having better access to spaces that can accommodate would also alleviate the struggle of sharing spaces with other sports and activities. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
The bond package was developed by a committee made up of varying members of the community and is presenting a total of $777 million that would fund five projects on the ballot labeled Proposition A through E.
“I’m looking forward to all the Bond Package has to offer, but the idea of fixing and improving the quality of life for our student body through Prop. A and B are underrated,” Band Director Peyton Lee said. “The other items would just be beneficial. All-encompassing, the propositons will make life and activities for all Mansfield ISD students better.”
Per state law, school districts are required to have the support and permission of voters to sell bonds to investors as a way of raising capital.
“Although it isn’t included in the Bond Package, I would have loved to bid for a new sound system in our gymnasium,” Hawkins said. “From a school spirit standpoint, the lackluster sound really crushes the excitement and momentum of our school gatherings. A new speaker system would make our school a better contender to host various athletic and spirit events.”
The majority of the bond will allocate money toward safety, security and technology infrastructure upgrades. As well as mechanical, electrical, plumbing and flooring restoration.
“I don’t think people realize how much each campus needs in terms of minor repairs that you don’t usually think about,” Lee said. “Things like HVAC units, work improvements like fixing up potholes on the parking lot, as well as adding more space and storage needed to accommodate the growth and achievement of our students.”
A portion will finance projects focused on expanding the district’s Fine Arts Departments. In the case of Timberview, providing an additional wing for the band and orchestra hall as well as a studio for performance arts.
“We have a very successful orchestra program that started about 10 years ago in the district that is provided to middle school campuses, but the only place that can currently house high school orchestra students is at Ben Barber, which is pretty much at capacity,” Lee said. “If Prop. D goes through, it will make space for those students as well as create a better band hall for us.”
Part of the initiative will also be used to improve athletic equipment and facilities, such as replacing the running track, football field turf, scoreboards, baseball batting cages and tennis courts.
“Here at Timberview, it gives us a chance to play baseball and softball games without having to reschedule because of turf on out fields; and if we’re able to get the indoor facility, we’ll be able to practice out of the weather and heat,” Head Football Coach Robert DeSanto said. ”Though the bond will be advantageous for all schools and will incorporate safety, technology and Fine Arts.”
The overall completion of the Multi-Purpose Athletic Building (MAC) has been anticipated since the last bond of 2017, which proposed its implementation and will be executed through Propositions D and E.
“The MAC building is a very nice, useful facility with state-of-the-art team rooms and a weight room, but we look forward to it being complete,” DeSanto said. “If passed, they’ll add connected locker rooms, coaches offices upstairs and a 60-yard indoor out of the back.”
Through MISD and the Board of Trustees reducing debt capacity through strategic management, the tax rate will not increase and will remain at $0.36, even as the projects progress to completion.
“If there was a tax raise, I’m not so sure I would be able to support it depending on if it would be a more sizeable amount; though, since there isn’t, I would hope more people are led to vote,” Hawkins said. “I also think that many of us MISD educators who would vote, do not live in Mansfield so those votes are being missed out on.”
If everything proceeds as planned, the projects will be underway immediately and will continue until 2029.
“I hear there could possibly be things in place as early as next spring,” DeSanto said. “I don’t know if all the propositions will be passed because, in the end, it’s up to the public.”
