Voters in the Houston Independent School District will decide in November whether to approve a $4.4 billion bond package to improve school facilities throughout the district.
Houston Public Media reports that the school board voted unanimously to put the proposal on the Nov. 5 ballot. It is the largest school bond request in Texas history and the first for the district since 2012.
The proposal is split into two ballot questions. Proposition A seeks $3.96 billion for new buildings, renovations to existing buildings and safety and security infrastructure, and Proposition B asks for $440 million for instruction technology as well as technology systems and infrastructure.
The district would spend $2.05 billion to rebuild more than 40 aging campuses and renovate many others.
About $1.35 billion would be spent on safety and security upgrades, such as lead and mold removal, replacing HVAC systems and creating single points of entry at all 274 schools.
Another $1 billion would go toward technology upgrades, expanding prekindergarten offerings and constructing three new career and technical education centers.
Many parents, community members and elected officials have voiced opposition to the bond proposal at a time when many are upset about the state's takeover of the district and a series of reforms and staffing shakeups under Miles. The superintendent and an appointed board of managers were installed last year.
"Until Houstonians regain control of our schools and how our tax dollars are spent, this bond should be rejected," resident Sean Leder said.
