Burnet CISD holding presentations on $26.75M bond; election is Nov. 4
FROM STAFF REPORTS
BURNET — With the November election approaching, Burnet school district officials are hoping to address questions and concerns regarding a proposed $26.75 million bond on the upcoming ballot.
Burnet Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent Keith McBurnett will be on hand during the presentations to explain the proposed bond package and take questions.
The meetings are:
- Sept. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hill Country Community Foundation building, 403 E. Jackson St. in Burnet
- Oct. 1 at 7:30 a.m. at the Highlander Restaurant, 401 Buchanan Drive (Texas 29) in Burnet; (there will be a breakfast buffet available for $6.95)
- Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Joann Cole Mitte Library, 1701 N. Gabriel in Bertram
- Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Cassie Homeowners Association’s Community Center, located at RR 690 (next to fire station at Cassie Gate 6) in Cassie
- Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the administrative board room at the BCISD Community Forum, 208 E. Brier St. in Burnet
- Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Briggs Community Center, 215 Loop 308 in Briggs
The BCISD board of trustees called for the bond to be placed on the Nov. 4 ballot.
Leading up to calling the bond, the district conducted a demographic study, a 13-month facility needs assessment study and a financial analysis. The board also approved the formation of a 26-member community advisory committee to look at the district needs and completed a prioritization survey. The district also conducted a community opinion survey.
The $26.75 million bond earmarks 25 percent (estimated) for mechanical improvements such as HVAC, electrical and plumbing. Another 24 percent is for classroom addition at Shady Grove Elementary and a new Career and Technical Education shop at Burnet High School.
Other big chunks go to renovations for the Shady Grove kitchen, replacing the exterior windows at the R.J. Richey campus and upgrading parking and drives (17 percent) with an estimated 14 percent targeting roof repairs at certain campuses.
The district is also looking at $1.8 million worth of improvements to the Burnet High School stadium that includes additional bleachers on the visitors’ side and artificial turf.
The district would also like to purchase 10 new buses with the bond funds.
According to school officials, if the bond is approved, the estimated impact on the tax rate is an additional 7.9 cents. This would be applied to the interest and sinking fund (debt service.) The current rate is $1.2625 per $100 valuation.
The additional 7.9 cents would add about $6.58 per month per $100,000 of taxable property value.
Go to www.bcisdbond.com for a breakdown on the bond, estimated tax rate and other information or attend one of the scheduled meetings.
The last day to register to vote in the Nov. 4 election is Oct. 6.
editor@thepicayune.com