[Music] In Garland ISD, we want to ensure all graduates have the knowledge skills and abilities needed for whatever path they choose: college, career, or military. Working closely with our parents and business community, we understand Garland, Rowlett, and Sachse require a well-educated workforce with career skills to attract new jobs and businesses.  To meet these expectations a Citizen Bond Steering Committee was established to review and prioritize District needs. The Committee's focus was comprehensive, addressing safety and security, student needs, aging facilities, academic programs and extracurricular activities. The Citizen Bond Steering Committee was made up of more than 80 parents, teachers, students, community members, and business and civic leaders from across Garland, Rowlett, and Sachse. Over the course of multiple meetings the Committee toured existing schools and reviewed campus security, financial data, current academic and Fine Arts needs, and sought community input. The Committee then developed a bond proposal for consideration by the Board of Trustees.

On February 14th the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to place a 1.279 billion dollar bond proposal on the May 6th ballot that will enhance student safety, modernize aging facilities, and provide additional educational opportunities at all GISD facilities.  That's every campus, every student. 

The proposal consists of three propositions: Proposition A is primarily focused on modernizing our aging facilities, some over 85 years old.  If approved by voters, the proposition would allocate 1.103 billion dollars for safety and security upgrades including forced entry resistance film at campus main entrances, safety perimeter fencing and the removal of all portables at Elementary schools. Four energy efficient replacement Elementary campuses, renovations and improvements to all existing schools.  High priority capital improvements such as two ADA accessible playgrounds with canopies at every Elementary School. A new Memorial Pathway Academy/ Student Services Center,  Fine Arts and athletic improvements, refresh High School auditoriums new athletic field houses for each High School. New turf baseball and softball fields for each High School,  Middle School boys and girls locker room renovations.  A new Transportation Center. HVAC and roofing.  A new Network Operations Center and a new Agricultural Sciences Facility.

Proposition A would also expand the Gilbreath Reed Career and Technical Center to allow for more instructional space for college preparation and provide career-ready, real-world job skills upon graduation. Proposition B provides 135.9 million dollars for multi-program activity centers at all High School campuses.  These centers will be utilized by marching bands, drill teams, cheerleaders, special education students, athletic teams and many others during periods of rain, snow, extreme heat or cold. Garland ISD is one of the few remaining districts in North Texas that does not have these facilities to protect their students during inclement weather.

Proposition C designates 40.6 million dollars for a one-to-one student and staff device refresh to provide all our students and teachers with the tools needed to better prepare students for the future. Passage of all three propositions would result in an estimated .0661 Cent increase to the property tax rate for Garland ISD homeowners and businesses.  It's important to note that if voters approve all three propositions, our property tax rate will remain more than 22 cents lower than it was five years ago. That's one of the largest tax rate reductions in North Texas. As always, homeowners 65 and older who have filed their homestead exemption will not see an increase in their school property taxes.  At GISD, we are committed to the taxpayers we serve. We've been awarded a superior rating through the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas. The 2023 Garland ISD Bond Proposal, developed by citizens from across our entire community to focus on student and teacher safety, modernize aging facilities, build new campuses, expand our job skill training programs, and upgrade classroom technology for modern learning.

Early voting runs from April 24th through May 2nd.  Election Day is Saturday, May 6th. Garland ISD is committed to transparency. Should you have any questions or would like more information, visit garlandisd.net/Bond 2023 [Music] [Music]