Voters Greenlight Tyler ISD's $195 Million Bond for Major District Overhaul
Tyler ISD voters decisively approved the district's $195 million Bond 2023 on November 7th, with 67.5% of ballots cast in favor. The bond package, officially canvassed on November 8th, will fund significant facility upgrades, the construction of two new schools, and district-wide technology enhancements without an anticipated increase in the tax rate.
The approved bond is divided into two propositions. Proposition A, totaling $178 million, focuses on facilities. This includes the construction of a brand-new high school on the district's newly acquired property along Old Jacksonville Hwy, which will replace the current John Tyler High School. Additionally, a new elementary school is planned for northwest Tyler, near the existing Clarkston Elementary, effectively replacing that campus. Proposition A also allocates funds for critical district-wide improvements, such as new HVAC systems, roofing repairs, technology infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced safety and security measures across all Tyler ISD campuses.
Proposition B, a $17 million allocation, is dedicated entirely to technology. These funds are earmarked to boost student learning experiences and update the entire network infrastructure across the district, ensuring students and staff have access to modern educational tools and reliable connectivity.
Tyler ISD's Board of Trustees is currently developing a Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee this month, November 2023. This committee is expected to begin regular meetings in early 2024 to monitor the bond's implementation and expenditures. Construction for the various projects is projected to commence in the fall of 2024, with the new high school and new elementary school anticipated to be completed by 2027.
District officials, including Dr. Crawford, have emphasized that there is no anticipated tax rate increase associated with the passage of this $195 million bond, a key point that addressed concerns among residents during the campaign. The successful passage marks a significant step for Tyler ISD's future infrastructure and educational capabilities.
