by Nicole Bradford
The Alvin ISD school board this month called a Nov. 5 bond election to fund more than $380 million in projects to address future facility needs.
If approved by voters, bond sales would not increase the tax rate, district officials reported, and taxpayers with a homestead exemption are estimated to see a 2-cent decrease in 2024 and 2025 tax rates.
The board on June 11 heard a list of recommendations from a nearly 100-member citizen advisory committee that included parents and business leaders from the Pearland portion of Alvin ISD along with elected officials.
“We as a committee stayed on task and kept in mind the entire district,” said committee co-chair and Shadow Creek High parent Travis McGuire told the school board on June 11. “The focus was critical needs over the next five years.”
Bond projects include $136 million for two new elementary campuses and one replacement campus, $88.2 million for a new junior high, and $143.9 million in high school renovations and additions.
An initial cost estimate of $395 million is offset by a $15 million savings from 2018 bond projects — which will be completed under budget.
“District staff brought the recommendation to the committee to use those unspent funds to bring down the total cost,” McGuire said.
The average age of Alvin ISD buildings is 32 years.
“What was intriguing to me was how old Manvel High School is because I remember that being built,” committee member Rick Solis said of the 17-year-old campus.
Recommended projects at Manvel High include adding a new academic wing and expanding CTE, culinary, and dance programs, as well as a new entrance and pedestrian pathways.
Alvin High School’s needs are estimated at $97.6 million through a plan that includes relocating and consolidating two older buildings to be closer to the main campus and repurposing the campus’ historic auditorium.
The recommendations included a combined replacement campus for Disney Elementary and Stevenson Primary.
“The pricing for rehabilitation vs. the cost-benefit for a new campus makes that the clear financially responsible choice for the district,” committee member Jerrod Ruddick said.
