The Controversy Surrounding HISD’s $4.4 Billion Bond Proposal
The Houston Independent School District is currently embroiled in a heated debate over a proposed $4.4 billion bond that has divided the community.
Opponents of the bond have voiced concerns about the state-appointed HISD leadership’s ability to effectively manage and allocate the funds in a transparent and accountable manner.
Harris County Democrats recently passed resolutions against the bond, citing the lack of trust in the unelected board and Superintendent Mike Miles to responsibly handle the money for the benefit of students.
Furthermore, the Harris County Republican party also expressed reservations about the bond, highlighting issues such as declining enrollment, economic hardships for families, and the need for HISD to demonstrate improved performance before seeking such a large sum.
Ruth Kravetz, co-founder of Community Voices for Public Education, emphasized the bipartisan nature of the opposition to the bond, underscoring the widespread concern over the potential misuse of taxpayer funds under the current leadership.
The bond proposal, the largest in both HISD and Texas history, aims to address critical needs in the district, including creating safe and healthy campuses, making facilities future-ready, and restoring HISD schools.
Key Allocations of the Bond:
$1.04 billion: Enhancing campus security, HVAC systems, and lead abatement
$1.07 billion: Establishing new career and technical education centers, expanding PreK programs, and upgrading technology infrastructure
$2.27 billion: Investing in school renovations, rebuilds, and expansions to meet urgent facility needs
Despite HISD’s assurances of no property tax increase, critics like Kravetz warn of the potential long-term financial burden on taxpayers, estimating the total cost of the bond to be nearly $9 billion over 30 years.
The decision on the bond proposal will ultimately rest with Houston voters, who will have the opportunity to cast their ballots on November 5. The outcome of this contentious issue will have far-reaching implications for the future of education in the district.