BOND ELECTION

A bond election for the Bandera Independent School District is scheduled for May 6. Early voting is April 24 through May 2. BISD wants voters to approve a bond for $79, 491, 416. As a retired educator with 31 years of experience in teaching and educational administration, the huge amount of the bond piqued my interest.

It is important that each voter examine the BISD website to understand what your vote means to your pocketbook. The narrator in the Bond Information Video speaks of the many academic and athletic achievements of the school district. The website states the current tax rate is .9784 per $100 assessed valuation. The BISD is asking voters to increase that rate by .1307, but they fail to state the tax rate would be increased to $1.1091, higher than Kerrville ISD which is 1.0520.

The same video states that BISD is committed to transparency; however, there is much that is not stated. The Texas Tribune reports that 46.6% of BISD students are at-risk for dropping out of school but the stateside percentage is higher at 49.2%. The actual dropout rate for BISD students attending grades 9-12 is 2%. The low percentage is because schools have an array of safety net programs for these at-risk students. The 2% rate falls in line with other school districts around the state. Regardless of the school’s efforts, a few students drop out due to reasons beyond the school’s control, such as illness, injury, delinquency, or mental health/familial issues. Examine what this bond is going to accomplish, and what it is not. The website speaks to site improvements and infrastructure but offers no assurances that increase academic achievement. The Texas Tribune reports BISD students’ average SAT score is 1079, while statewide it is 1019; the average ACT score is 23.8 while statewide it is 20.2.

The BISD is putting forth its belated Christmas wish list, but there is no mention of increasing teachers’ salaries, the individuals most responsible for student achievement. As of 2020-21, an average teacher’s salary was $53, 439, over $4200 less than the state average.

Throwing a lot of money at a school district doesn’t guarantee improvement to its educational value or an increase in academic achievement. According to the BISD website and The Texas Tribune, they have accomplished much without it.

Before you vote, remember your pocketbook.

B. Sue Caldwell, Ph.D. Pipe Creek