HOUSTON, Texas – A fiery debate is brewing over a proposed bond for the Houston Independent School District, with community members and elected officials weighing in.
On Thursday, both sides held separate news conferences, offering different perspectives on the $4.4 billion bond proposal.
Those in favor of HISD’s first bond request in 12 years argue that the bond is essential to fund urgent school improvements across the district, which they believe will directly impact students. They are stressing the need for better facilities, more robust pre-K programs, and a stronger learning environment, ensuring that the bond will benefit children for several generations.
“Is this going to be good for kids down the road? There is no doubt that if we have better schools and pre-K programs, this bond will make things better for children,” Bob Sanborn said.
Others, however, agree that improvements are needed but are concerned about the massive price tag.
The $4.4 billion bond would be the largest in Texas history, and some people are worried about how the state-appointed board and Superintendent Mike Miles, who they argue has lacked oversight and transparency, will allocate the funds.
“Let’s vote for transparency and for people we trust. We do not trust Mike Miles… No trust, no bond. This proposal represents an enormous financial commitment, $4.4 billion of taxpayer dollars,” State Representative Christina Morales said.
This is HISD’s first bond request since 2012. If approved, it would represent a historic investment in the district.
During HISD’s board meeting, a district spokesperson confirmed that 162 people had signed up to speak during the public comment portion, with the majority expressing opposition to the bond proposal.
Before the meeting, parents and community members gathered outside the gates of HISD headquarters, holding signs of protest. While many agreed that upgrades are necessary, they voiced concerns about approving the bond under the current state-appointed administration.
“I have a daughter in kindergarten, and as a parent, it’s a nightmare thinking about what’s going on in the district—having an unelected superintendent and school board making decisions and spending our taxpayer money on things that he cannot be held accountable for,” said Victoria Fradette, while holding a sign in opposition of the proposal.
In an interview with KPRC2′s Candace Burns, Superintendent Mike Miles explained why the district asks for $4.4 billion.
“We’ve had five different groups, not just the district, assess the state of our facilities and infrastructure. Some of those reports show that the actual facilities need is $10 billion, but we had to choose an amount that the community could afford without raising taxes,” Miles said.
When asked about public concerns regarding transparency and how the bond money would be allocated, Miles pointed to the ballot language, which outlines how the funds will be used. He also emphasized the role of an oversight committee in ensuring accountability.
“We will have an oversight committee made up of independent citizens from Houston, along with our own internal oversight group,” Miles added.
The HISD board is expected to vote on the approval of members for the bond oversight committee.
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