PORT NECHES, Texas — Three school bonds on the November ballot easily passed with voters Tuesday night.
Port Neches-Groves ISD voters gave the okay for a $130 million bond, which will allow the district to combine the six current elementary schools into four campuses.
Complete but unofficial election returns show the PNG bond passing with 66% in favor.
The district says most of the current elementary buildings were built in the 1950s. Renovations would have been more expensive than new construction, according to the district.
Construction may start as early as 2020 with a completion date set tentatively for 2023.
The money will also go toward improving security at PNG campuses, allowing for the purchase of new security cameras and perimeter fencing, as well as improved lighting.
Health and safety changes will also be made, including new fire protection systems and improved traffic flows.
The district also said the money will help deal with overcrowding.
Lumberton ISD voters also easily passed their school bond to renovate classrooms, upgrade security on campuses and make parking improvements.
63% of voters showed support for the $78 million bond.
The district says the largest chunk of money from the bond, more than $62 million, would got toward projects like repurposing the existing intermediate school into a new middle school for grades 6, 7 and 8.
That portion of the money would also go toward additions and renovations at the early childhood campus, as well as improvements at the existing intermediate school for grades 3, 4 and 5.
In a Tuesday night statement, Superintendent Dr. Gerald Chandler said, "I would like to take this opportunity to thank our community for the support of the Lumberton ISD Bond and the investment dedicated to our schools, curriculum and students."
Sabine Pass ISD voters approved a $150 million school bond with 64% of the vote in complete but unofficial returns.
The money will be used for "the construction, acquisition, renovation and equipment of school buildings in the district."
The money will also be used to purchase school buses, upgrade security and purchase new software and technology.
Voter turnout was low in all three races. Only 92 votes were cast for the Sabine ISD bond issue. 2,630 votes were cast for the PNG bond and only 2,422 votes were cast for the Lumberton bond.