Marlin ISD begins process of presenting bond issue

With hopes of having a bond election May 2022, Marlin ISD has officially begun the process of pre-bond planning. 

“The construction and renovation of school facilities is the single most important contribution that a community can make in preparing for future generations,” MISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson said. “The guiding tenets are the family, excellence through consistency and courageous leadership.”

Over 30 community members were invited to attend the first Bond 101 meeting, Thursday, Dec. 16, at the high school. The Bond Advisory Committee, group of community members, will determine the scope of work at the high school (new building vs renovation) and Legion Field (turf, parking, scoreboard, track, press box, concession stands, restrooms, ADA compliance). Financial Advisor Stifel; architect WRA Architects; Mary O’Brien, Principal Education Architect; and John Erwin, Construction contractor were introduced as the pre-bond planning team.

During the Funding 101 session, the financial impact on the community was presented. Attendance, student enrollment, property value, tax rate and funding from the State Legislature impacts the annual budgets. It was noted the tax rate has been going down since 2015 but the facilities are reprehensible. 

A 20-year or 25-year bond package would result in an estimated $28 million for the proposed projects. Examples of average market value and increase in tax rate were reviewed. It’s critical that the community is knowledgeable of how the bond will affect its tax rate.

The group took a campus tour of the high school. Some of them attended MHS and noted other than new paint and updated flooring, not much has been done as updates. The group pointed out several areas of concerns.

Subsequent meetings will be every Thursday in January at 6 p.m. The Bond Advisory Committee was asked to consider their wants and wish list items for the Jan. 6 meeting. Getting the building up to code and providing curriculum-based needs are a must. A finalized budget/report will be submitted to the Managing Board at the Feb. 7 board meeting.

“The facilities are reflection of our commitment to the next generation:Culture, Curriculum and Commitment,” Henson said.