ORANGE COUNTY, Texas — In the upcoming city elections in May, residents of West Orange Cove Consolidated Independent School District will have to vote on whether or not to pass the districts new $72 million bond.
Some alumni's are excited about the possibilities that the bond may bring.
Rickey Blagburn is an alumni of west orange cove consolidated independent school district. He says the nearly 26-million dollar bond passed in 2018 drastically changed his kids learning.
"I think the learning's like night and day between 2015 and my daughter in middle school, she's learning a lot more technology wise," Blagburn told 12News.
The bond included upgrades for a number of campuses and athletic facilities, as well as upgraded security measures and a new event center.
Now the district is turning it's gaze to the needs of younger students.
"My middle schooler did go to North for two years," said Blagburn. "The teachers there are outstanding, the programs outstanding, nd their expanding all the time. I think where they're at they need a little bit bigger school."
North Early Learning Center campus was built in 1964 and still needs more room to grow.
The bond proposes a new school to be built on 27 acres of wooded area behind West Orange Stark Elementary School.
The bond would also include money to update district wide air conditioning, technology upgrades, school buses, restrooms, safety upgrades and more.
"I'm all for the technology, the buses I can understand. You know, we haven't replaced any buses to my knowledge in quite a long time," Blagburn said.
As with any item on the ballot, some people are against the bond and Blagburn sympathizes.
"People are scared your property taxes would be raised," said Blagburn.
According to the school district's bond website, the proposal won't increase taxes due to the district's tax base and valuation.
"When your investing in the kids for the future of your city and your town. You know I think it's a win win situation," Blagburn said.