VIDOR, Texas — There is a little over a week until early voting begins and Vidor Independent School District hopes taxpayers will approve a $98.4 million bond.
This bond would allow the district to close the junior high and consolidate campuses. Thursday night members of the community walked through Pine Forest Elementary, which would get upgrades thanks to the bond.
12News was there to see what's needed inside the school.
The district is hoping to tear down Pine Forest because it doesn't work. They are hoping to make way for something new.
"You can't put a price on kids, and their education and their safety," said Pine Forest teacher Cassidy Bailey.
If voters say yes to the $98.4 million bond, Pine Forest and two other elementary campuses would see major upgrades.
Dr. Killgo says they will be adding new wings to the three elementary schools that will house the district's 300 5th graders. He says they will not have to utilize any portable buildings during construction.
"Each elementary would receive a new wing that replaces old classrooms and receive new classrooms, additional classrooms for 5th grade," said Superintendent Dr. Jay Killgo.
Bailey works in one of the buildings that would be demolished.
"When the power goes out, which happens frequently, it's pitch black in there we can't see, the A/Cs go out constantly," said Bailey.
Dr. Killgo says they would also close the junior high and make the new middle school 6th - 8th grade.
"Also in those bond election we would make improvements to the high school. We would build a new wing along Orange Street," Dr. Killgo said.
Administrators hope these community meetings will show voters there's a real need.
"We're around 500,000 in utilities and insurance. Things degrade over time, so we just ask parents to make their own decision based on what they see on these tours," said Dr. Killgo.
Keighly Bertrand teaches at Pine Forest with Bailey.
"Now is the time for this to happen and we would all be so grateful," Bertrand told 12News.
Early voting for Orange County begins October 21 through November 1.