West Orange Cove Consolidated Independent School District has announced a $72 million bond proposal will be on the ballot Saturday, May 4th.
According to information from the school district, the bond is intended to enhance educational facilities and ensure the safety and security of students, faculty and staff. The bond includes projects such as building a new Northern Early Learning Center campus, improving safety throughout the district, upgrading restrooms and HVAC equipment, technology enhancements and acquiring new buses.
Built in 1964, North Early Learning Center (801 Cordry Avenue) is historically home to North High School and MB North Middle School and operates as North Early Learning Center.
North offers full-day preschool, preschool, preschool, Head Start, and early childhood special education.
The centerpiece of the bond proposal is to build a new Northern Early Learning Center campus on 27 acres of land behind the elementary school the district purchased.
According to the district's proposal, “this modern facility will meet the early education needs of the community and provide an immersive experience,” improving safety and security throughout the district and improving student and Funds will also be allocated to upgrade toilet facilities for staff.
“HVAC systems will be modernized to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality, creating a more comfortable learning environment,” the district reported.
According to the report, this technology upgrade will allow WOCCISD to stay at the forefront of educational innovation and provide students with access to cutting-edge tools and resources to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
The district further shared that the district's tax base and assessed values allow these improvements to be made without impacting homeowners' tax rates.
“Homeowners will not see a tax increase,” district officials announced, adding that in addition to the regular $100,000 state exemption, WOCCISD homeowners will receive an additional 20% district homeowner exemption. He pointed out that it was acceptable. “WOCCISD's tax rates have remained the same or decreased for the past 10 years. However, state law currently allows for the statement 'this is a property tax increase' to be placed on the ballot, regardless of the actual effect on tax rates. It is important to note that inclusion is required by state law.”
District tax rates and current and prior year information are available at WOCCISD.net or www. WOCCISDbond.com.
To be eligible for the May 4 election, residents must register to vote by Sunday, April 7. Early voting will take place April 22-26 and April 29-30.
For more information on the bond proposal and to vote, please visit woccisdbond.com.
