Will Odessa get a new high school and/or Career and Technical Education Center?
The answer to that question will come Saturday after voters take to the polls to vote on ECISD’s two proposed bond options – one that could put the first new high school in Odessa in more than 50 years.
Voters will face the $398,255,000 bond, which comes in two propositions.
Proposition A, $215,255,000 which would include maintenance and life-cycle repairs/replacement for school district buildings ($130,255,000); construction of a new Career & Technical Center ($70 million), which would include classroom and lab space for programs like welding, construction, health science, automation and process technology, HVAC, plumbing and others.
It would cover an estimated at 150,000 square feet and include furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
Classroom technology upgrades ($15 million) also would be included. That would feature classroom and/or campus audio, visual and multimedia refresh or additions.
Proposition B for $183,000,000 would go for a new comprehensive high school at Yukon and Faudree Roads. The district purchased the 100-acre site about two years ago for a little over $2 million.
The new high school would be 6A and have a 2,500 to 2,800 student capacity. It would cover an estimated 400,000 square feet and include furniture, fixtures, and equipment
The district website said leaders anticipate the bond will create a tax rate increase of 15 cents and, for a home with a taxable value of $100,000, would equate to a tax increase of approximately $12 per month.
There would be no tax increase on residence homesteads for taxpayers 65 and older, as state law dictates that the tax rate and the amount paid on a residence are frozen when that person turns 65 years old, applies for the exemption and is approved by the Ector County Appraisal District. ECISD gives local taxpayers a 20% Homestead Exemption, which is the maximum allowed by law.
VOTING CENTERS
Election Day for the Constitutional Amendment Special Election and the Ector County Independent School District Special Bond Election will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at any of the voting centers.
Vote centers are:
- Blackshear Elementary School, main hall, 501 S. Dixie Blvd.
- Crossroads Fellowship, room 1135, 6901 Highway 191 Frontage.
- Faith Fellowship Lutheran Church, foyer, 1603 N. Grandview Ave.
- Kellus Turner Community Building, 2230 Sycamore Drive.
- MCM Eleganté Hotel, Hawaiian Ballroom, 5200 E. University Blvd.
- Odessa Christian Faith Center, 180 Youth Building, Sanctuary, 8828 Andrews Highway.
- United Market, 1350 E. Eighth St.
- United Market, 2751 N. County Road West.
- Wilson’s Corner, dining room, 16514 S. U.S. Highway 385.
For more information, call 432-498-4030 or visit tinyurl.com/2p9xyfjv in Odessa or call 432-688-4890 or visit tinyurl.com/2p8fs6sv in Midland.
