FAQ

School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors in order to raise the capital dollars required to renovate existing buildings or build a new school. Essentially, it’s permission to take out a loan to build, renovate and pay that loan back over an extended period of time, much like a family takes out a mortgage loan for their home. A school board calls a bond election so voters can decide whether or not they want to pay for proposed facility projects.

Yes. Recent research by the Environmental Protection Agency suggests that a school’s physical environment can play a major role in academic performance. Leaky roofs and problems with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can trigger a host of health problems – including asthma and allergies – that increase absenteeism and reduce academic performance. Research links key environmental factors to health outcomes and students’ ability to perform.

Working with the Board of Trustees, teachers, and administrators from across the district, the facilities planning committee developed a list of items to consider for inclusion in a bond package. The District has been evaluating current facilities and equipment, ongoing enrollment, growth, and other district priorities with the Board of Trustees.

Items in the 2024 bond associated with safety and security include reconfiguring entry vestibules, adding and updating cameras, adding fencing, and adding security doors at the intermediate school. Other items in the bond that impact safety and security are adding parking with lights, more locker room space, and raising backstop nets to protect fans from foul balls.

Some of the track repair and storm damage was covered by insurance. However, it did not cover the full amount, which is why it is being put on the November 2024 ballot.

Bond elections are unrelated to a district's status as an open enrollment district; that decision rests with the Board of Trustees. The SISD Board of Trustees does not support the district becoming an open enrollment district.

The District-Wide Multipurpose Activity Center will primarily be utilized by programs including band, color guard, drill team, STEM, and athletics (football, soccer, track, cheer, etc.). Other uses for the facility include special olympics, field day, community events, and various elementary and intermediate activities.

When considering a new multipurpose activity center, the Facility Planning Committee reviewed and considered a few key items:

1. Cost

   1. The committee researched the cost of construction for multiple facilities, including a multipurpose pavilion. Due to steel prices, pavilions now cost $12 million.  When analyzing these costs, the committee decided that for the price tag, along with the safety and security factors being addressed, and the community members, faculty, and students across the district that would be able to utilize this facility - the full, enclosed, multipurpose activity center was the recommendation that would be made to the Board of Trustees. 

2. Safety & Security

   1. In addition to the WetBulb regulations, the committee considered safety in regard to security. Ultimately, the decision was made to recommend this facility rather than a pavilion because it is much more secure, and SISD faculty will be able to monitor/control who enters/exits the facility.

   2. Pavilions cannot be used while the lightning alert indicates lightning is in the area, and other adverse weather conditions can also limit their use.

With part of the administration facility renovations including a new CTE culinary arts program, students will be able to earn certifications in the food/beverage industry. Because the administration facility was previously a school, it already hosts a full cafeteria and kitchen area (eliminating cost involved with new kitchen spaces and equipment, which would allow SISD to implement this program.) In addition, SISD plans to run a restaurant open to the community so that our students can learn culinary arts skills, as well as how to run a business. Additionally, a Culinary Arts program would add another CTE pathway for students, providing additional funding for SISD.