Possible bond could bring much-needed facilities to MISD

With continued hopes of having a Marlin ISD bond election Nov. 8, 2022, the Pre-Bond Planning Advisory Committee is moving forward. 

Because there are not enough funds in the community to build much needed facilities, a two propositions bond election is considered necessary. 

The existing Debt Allotment from the state is $40,000-$50,000 per year. It is crucial that the bonds are a shared community vision. 

The Pre-Bond Planning Advisory Committee’s number one goal is to educate the community on how tax rates will be affected. 

The average tax rate is estimated 47 cents for the next 25 years. Homeowners with an Over 65 Exemption will not pay any more taxes; their taxes are capped. The last school bond election was 24 years ago in 1998.

The Pre-Bond Planning Advisory Committee discussed the proposed non-negotiables needs. 

The proposed bonds will include a new/newly renovated high school, MES safety upgrades and Legion Field upgrades. The Facility Building Assessment determines whether to tear down or build new.

After brainstorming session, the groups were asked to narrow down the non-negotiables to the top 10 including, but not limited to, new roof, science labs, locker room improvements, new concession stands, advanced technology including charging stations in the classrooms, new football turf/track, digital signage, press box, and Title XI compliances at Legion Field just to name a few. 

A finalized budget/report will be submitted to the Managing Board at the Aug. 22 meeting. 

The Pre-Bond Advisory Board was reminded this project will meet the needs of the next generation, Marlin Elementary and Middle School students, and would reflect the “Culture, Curriculum and Commitment.”