Austin voters will decide in November whether to authorize more than $1 billion in bond money to the Austin Independent School District.
The district says it can pay for that $1 billion bond without raising anyone’s tax rate. That’s thanks to higher property values and some financial maneuvers, including refinancing older debt at a lower rate.
With the money, 16 schools in the district would get major renovations, including the original Anderson High School. The district plans to move Eastside Memorial High School to the East Austin location once the building is refurbished.
“This bond is going to stop putting band aids and duct tape and replacing roofs, and it’s actually going to build spaces for the educational purposes that it’s being designed for,” AISD Trustee Cindy Anderson said.
Ken Zarifis, president of the teachers union, said the bond would allow much-needed updates to Austin schools.
“I do not think the needs of our students 50 years ago – and the facilities that met those needs – can meet the needs of 21st century students,” he said.
Oct. 10 is the last day to register to vote in the November election.
