SILSBEE, Texas — Voters in the Silsbee Independent School District have said no to an $84.5 million bond.
Had the bond passed it would have been used for the construction, renovation, improvement, acquisition and equipment of school buildings in the district.
Prop A failed, getting only 1,238, or 63.1% of the votes cast.
Prop A would have included the purchase of new school buses, and the levying of a tax sufficient, without limit as to rate or amount, to pay the principal of and interest of the bonds.
“Silsbee ISD voters have decided against the 2023 Bond Proposal. Despite our best efforts to address safety and security concerns, aging facilities, and the need for better resources for our students, teachers, and staff, it is clear that the community has voiced their stance. Despite the outcome of this election, Silsbee ISD will remain committed to the betterment of its students. We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Facility Advisory Team (FAC) for their tireless efforts and dedication over the course of several months in crafting this bond proposal. Their hard work continues to be the foundation on which our future plans will be built," said Silsbee ISD Superintendent Gregg Weiss in a statement.
The biggest project would have been building the brand new middle school which was replacing the current one, which is 50-years-old according to district officials.
The new middle school would have included a state-of-the-art gym and agriculture facility. It was planned to serve 7th and 8th grade students.
This bond proposal would also move 6th grade students to the Laura Reeves campus which would have been renovated into an intermediate campus and would serve 4th, 5th and 6th graders.
Pre-K and kindergarten students would relocate to Silsbee Elementary School.
"Not only is safety for our students and staff in the forefront of these projects, it also included recommendations to strengthen college and career programs as well as enhanced overall teaching environment," said Byron Dauriac, a member of the Facilities Advisory Board.
Other upgrades included in the bond are:
- Safety and security updates across multiple campuses.
- Construction of Career and Technical Education Building at Silsbee High School, which will include floral design, technology, culinary, robotics and nursing.
- Updates to the softball and baseball complex, including installation of turf fields and drainage improvements.
- Resurfacing the tennis courts.
- Construction of a new agriculture barn.