SSISD Board Asks Voters
For $48.4 Million in
May 9th Bond Election

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Study committees had recommended it, property had been purchased approximately two years ago, and yes, rumors had been surfacing around Sulphur Springs, but the Sulphur Springs Independent School District Board of Trustees made it official on Monday night, March 9th, that they would be asking the voters for approval of a $48.4 million dollar bond election, on May 9th. In a unanimous, standing vote, the board voted to call the election in support of both new construction and improvements to the schools in the SSISD.

"This may be the most important vote that I've participated in during my six year term on the board," expressed board member Judy Gillem.

"I've been associated with the Sulphur Springs ISD for some 30 years and I feel this is a giant step for what the district needs, and to insure that we move forward with education in Hopkins County," expressed board member, Foy Williams.

 

 

The $48.4 million dollar package calls for the following additions and improvements to the school system:

                        1. Build a new Middle School for 6th, 7th, & 8th grades on SSISD purchased property on the

                            new south loop.

                        2. Move 3rd and 4th grades to the current Middle School on Bell Street, leaving 1st and 2nd
                            graders in Bowie, Lamar, & Travis Elementary Schools.

                        3. Add classrooms to the Douglas 5th grade facility on the East side of Sulphur Springs.

                        4. Build a multi-purpose building at the high school for band, athletics, flag corps, cheerleading,

                            elementary field days, etc.

                        5. Complete the Soccer/Track arena, across from the high school.

                        6. Add a connection corridor and entrance for current Middle School for security.

In estimates prepared for the board, it is stated that the average SSISD homestead owner would pay about 60 cents per day for these new facilities, in increased taxes. And, under current rules, the state aid will pay for about 27% of the total cost for the improvements. Senior homesteads are unaffected by this bond issue.

The board was also told that at the present time construction costs are down and interest rates are at a very low level.

"This is something that hasn't been taken lightly," expressed Superintendent Patsy Bolton. "We've had study committees working on this long-range plan for several years, we've consulted the teachers for their needs, and we've looked toward the future to be efficient in handling the tax dollars of the district, as we provide for the best education for our students."

 

Early voting on the bond issue will begin on April 27th and complete on May 5th, with polls opened in the Sulphur Springs City Hall, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Election Day, May 9th, the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the SSISD Administration Building, at 631 Connally Street.

 

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