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Pearland ISD, Texas, Calls for Bond Election for Tech Needs

Pearland Independent School District has proposed a $105 million bond election in May for infrastructure and technology, including wireless access points equipment, network updates and new devices.

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(TNS) — Pearland ISD's Board of Trustees called for a $105 million bond election in May to address infrastructure and technology needs. The proposed bond includes funds to replace computers for teachers and students and for new roofs at several schools across the district.

The decision was made at Feb. 13 school board meeting following recommendation from the district's Bond Advisory Committee, which is composed of community members, business leaders and parents.

Trustees called for a $30 million technology and $75 million infrastructure bold election for existing facilities.

If approved by voters, the tax rate would remain at the current $1.1373 because the district has the means in its interest and sinking fund to pay off the bonds without raising the tax rate, said Superintendent Larry Berger at a Jan. 20 workshop meeting.

The interest and sinking tax rate will decrease by 8.9 cents if the measure is turned down by voters in May.

"If the technology and facility infrastructure bonds passed, Pearland ISD would maximize available funding without increasing taxes, allowing us to enhance our educational resources and facilities and support creating a sustainable and strong financial future," said Berger.

Here's what you need to know about the propositions.

INFRASTRUCTURE


This $75 million bond would provide improvements for schools and facilities including heating, ventilation and air conditioning; electrical, plumbing and roofing; parking lot renovations; interior renovations and painting of schools; and safety equipment such as fire alarm systems and sprinkler upgrades.

The bond proposition allocates over $17 million to replace roofs at Shadycrest Elementary, Pearland Junior High East, Pearland Junioe High West, Rogers Middle School, Jamison Middle School, East Transportation, PACE Center, Old ESC and athletics buildings at Pearland High School.

TECHNOLOGY


The $30 million bond covers five years of expenses for technology includes replacements and upkeep for technology storage closets, wireless access points equipment, network and Internet updates and new devices for classrooms, teachers and students.

The state of Texas is requiring one-to-one devices, which mean each student should be provided their own devices during school hours to complete coursework. The district would have to purchase nearly 21,000 computers to accommodate each student in the district and would need to be replaced based on the lifecycle of the devices.

IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES


April 4 — Last day to register to vote

April 22 — First day of early voting

April 23 — Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot

April 30 — Last day of early voting

May 4 — Election Day, Last day to receive mail-in ballot by 7 p.m.

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