$33M bond on ballot for BCISD; early voting starts Monday
Burnet Consolidated Independent School District voters head to the polls in the coming weeks to make a decision that could impact the educational experience of students for years to come.
The BCISD Board of Trustees and school officials are asking voters to approve a $33.1 million bond during the November 5 election. Early voting is October 21-November 1.
If passed, the bond would update learning environments for all BCISD students, increase safety and security, and improve the district’s operational efficiency.
Approximately 31 percent of the bond would go toward learning environment and technology upgrades such as new flooring at two campuses, new painting and finishes at three campuses, walking tracks at the elementary schools, improved classroom acoustics at Burnet Middle School, high-impact furniture for 150 classrooms, and the district’s 1:1 technology initiative, which would put a computer or tablet in each student’s hands.
Another 24 percent of the bond targets growth needs, particularly at Bertram Elementary School, where officials want to add to the campus to accommodate 700 students.
Other areas that would benefit from the bond include safety/security, roof/plumbing/HVAC, fine arts, athletics, parking/drives/sidewalks, and transportation.
Even with the $31 million bond passing, district officials stated it would not have an impact on the overall BCISD tax rate.
The district’s bond website has more information on the proposal. On October 17, BCISD Superintendent Keith McBurnett is hosting Coffee with the Superintendent at 8 a.m. at the BCISD Parent Resource Center, 202 E. Brier St. in Burnet. During the event, he will discuss the bond as well as answer questions.
BCISD voters can take advantage of early voting beginning October 21.
In Burnet County, early voting takes place at the Burnet County AgriLife Extension Office, 607 N. Vandeveer in Burnet, and the Burnet County Courthouse South Annex, 810 Steve Hawkins Parkway in Marble Falls.
Early voting hours at both sites are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. October 21-23, October 25, October 28-30, and November 1. The locations are open for extended hours, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. October 24 and October 31.
In Llano County, portions of voting precincts 203, 204, and 205 fall within BCISD. Early voting locations and hours are:
• Llano County Library, 102 E. Haynie St. in Llano, 7 a.m.-7 pm. October 21, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. October 22-25, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. October 28, and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. October 29-November 1
• Kingsland Branch Library, 125 W. Polk St., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. October 21-25 and October 28-November 1
• Horseshoe Bay City Office, #1 Community Drive, 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m. October 21-25 and October 28-November 1
To learn more about early voting, check out the Burnet County or Llano County elections websites.
editor@thepicayune.com
2 thoughts on “$33M bond on ballot for BCISD; early voting starts Monday”
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Vote NO. Taxable values on homes and businesses continue to rise every year, which means more taxes. When the school district says they aren’t raising the Tax Rate, it’s deceptive. As long as the value of properties continue to rise, they shouldn’t have to raise the tax rate. They collect more and more each year just based on valuations. Ask yourself what the teachers and children will get from this bond? No raises, no smaller classroom sizes, some new iPads. What does the school district and administration get? Money to build and start special projects and maintenance that should be included in the annual budget. Why borrow $33,000,000.00 if you don’t have to?
This is another false statement as soon as the bond passes your taxes will be raised. Vote no. This administration has put the tax payers in BCISD area over $50 million in debt. Five years ago Mr. McBurnett said by closing Shady Grove School he could save $1 million a year. Then he voted in another bond to refurbish it . He can’t tell the truth and his puppet school board.. YOUR TAXES WILL BE RAISED NEXT YEAR. JUST REMEMBER YOU READ IT HERE. VOTE NO.