For those who have not yet voted in the ECISD bond election – do some research. Ignore “facts” being put out by those who seek to influence your vote with some misinformation.
We have provided numerous stories about the bond proposals and numerous letters to the editor and guest viewpoint pieces on the issue. People in favor of and against the bond have spoken out.
We are good with that. Healthy debate is always a good thing.
Our Facebook page has a healthy back and forth between supporters of the bond and those who hope to see both propositions defeated.
To clear up some of those muddy comments and also some poor social media reporting on the issue – here are a few facts:
- School districts rarely can save enough funds to outright build new facilities without a bond issue.
- The argument that somehow building a new high school off Faudree Road is a benefit for Midland or for “rich” kids in the Mission area is simply silliness seeking to pit east vs. west here in Odessa. Surely a reasonable person can understand that a new high school built ANYWHERE in Odessa would, of course, alleviate overcrowding at all the other current high schools.
That seems pretty simple.
Perhaps some who are peddling this crosstown rivalry nonsense have not noted that most of the Parks-Bell area is in Ector County. Hundreds of new homes are up and still going up there — not to mention the hundreds of homes popping up in the area around 87th and Loop 338. All of this is in Ector County.
- Yes, a new high school is also needed in West Odessa. No one disputes that in the group for the bond. All have been upfront about the need for more than one high school. But this bond is about building one new high school on land that was purchased several years ago near Parks Bell.
- Again, the false argument that a new career and tech center is not needed because only about 400 students are housed at New Tech currently is just a lie. Yes, about 400 students only go to New Tech. However, another 700-800 are currently attending classes there for part of their school schedules and then return to either Permian or Odessa High for the rest of their classes.
Do you see the pattern? Those who don’t support the bond are free to vote against it. But to spread misinformation about the bond issues is both dishonest and sad. Unfortunately, this current smear campaign is being conducted by many of the same folks who spread lies either about candidates in previous elections or about the water treatment plant project last year.
Just look at some of the comments peddling conspiracy theories that “the rich will just get richer” with this bond. It is complete silliness.
At the end of the day, we either invest in the future of this city through education or we don’t. OHS and Permian are too crowded. It is not the same as it was in the 1970s as some are claiming. The halls are a nightmare.
The aging facilities that would also be brought up to date through the bond issue desperately need the improvements.
Sure, there have been some missteps with past bond issues. But a wise person this week asked the question: “Why can’t we have nice things?”
Well, why can’t we? Do your research. Pay attention to the source of the information you read or hear. But, most of all, get out and vote.
Here’s the bond info:
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.
Early voting ends Tuesday. Election Day is May 7.
