VIDOR, Texas — Vidor Independent School District voters have approved a $98.4 million bond that will fund improvements to campuses and allow the district to close the junior high and consolidate campuses.
The bond passed with 54% to 46% of votes.
Vidor ISD will upgrade some buildings at Pine Forest Elementary School and make room for new wings.
"You can't put a price on kids, and their education and their safety," said Pine Forest teacher Cassidy Bailey.
The bond will allow Pine Forest and two other elementary campuses to 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 the school is planning to upgrade.
"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 will 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.
Prior to elections, administrators held community meetings to show voters there's a real need. Members of the community had a chance to walk through Pine Forest Elementary.
"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.
