Bond Election 2022
Sheldon ISD community votes in favor of the bond
Preliminary results from the election show the Sheldon ISD community has voted in favor of the two propositions for the bond referendum. There were more than 5,900 residents who voted in this election.
“I sincerely appreciate the support we have received from our community,” said Superintendent Dr. King Davis. “More importantly, I’m thankful to the voters for taking time to go to the polls and making your voices heard.”
The passing of the two propositions will allow Sheldon ISD to continue to support the enrollment growth seen annually with a new 9th and 10th Grade Campus as well as expand Null Middle School and Cravens Early Childhood. Additionally, there will be district-wide facility sustainments and improvements, upgrades to safety and security, new buses purchased with GPS tracking systems and upgrades to classroom technology. The full bond package details can be viewed at www.sheldonisd.com/bond2022/.
“Thank you to our community for your trust in Sheldon ISD to provide a safe space and educational resources for our students,” said Dr. Davis.
Votes will be official once canvassed during a Sheldon ISD School Board Meeting next week. Election results can be found at https://www.harrisvotes.com/Election-Results/Election-Day.
After the bond election did not pass in May, Sheldon ISD administration made adjustments such as redrawing attendance boundaries to relieve overcrowding at Null Middle School. Additionally, the district opened a 9th grade campus in an existing facility to alleviate student enrollment growth at King High School. “These changes that we made as a result of the May bond not passing are a quick fix,” Dr. Davis explained. “The growth in our enrollment will continue, and the current solution will only temporarily relieve overcrowding.” Since 2016, Sheldon ISD has increased by 2,100 (20 percent) students. Early enrollment numbers for the 2022-23 school year show an increase in student enrollment by 600 students. This addition equates to enrollment of another school.
For the past two weeks, the community and staff had an opportunity to provide feedback to the school board regarding our facilities, growth and future bond elections. The results from the survey were carefully reviewed by trustees to understand and prioritize the need for facilities to support the continued enrollment growth.
“Thank you for the feedback you have provided to our school board,” Dr. Davis said. “We continually monitor our demographics, and the growth in our student population is inevitable. In the survey, stakeholders prioritized projects and this package reflects those priorities provided by the community to address current academic and facility projects as well as upgrades to safety, new school buses and technology devices for all students.”
The Sheldon ISD school board has called for a $247,700,000 bond referendum for the November ballot. The bond package includes a new ninth and tenth grade campus, expansions to Null Middle School and Cravens Early Childhood Academy, safety and security enhancements to all buildings as well as technology upgrades.
The full package breakdown can be seen below:
Proposition A: New Schools, Expansions and Safety/Security Upgrades - $240,800,000
- Enhance safety and security in all buildings
- New 9th and 10th grade campus
- Null Middle School expansion
- Cravens Early Childhood expansion
- New school buses to include GPS tracking, cameras and radio
- Facility upgrades to existing buildings
Proposition B: Technology - $6,900,000
- Upgrades and replacements for 1:1 devices for all students
- Upgrades to classroom technology to include interactive monitors in classrooms
“Sheldon ISD continues to grow by 300-400 students annually, and this year we are expecting it to be no different,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. King Davis.
If voters were to approve the 2022 bond, the maximum increase for the district’s Interest and Sinking (I&S) rate would be 4 cents per $100 assessed value for the entire life of the bond. For example, the average Sheldon ISD homeowner’s residence is valued at $180,832 (market value) and would see an approximate $3.50 per month increase. Sheldon ISD residents age 65 or over will not see an increase in their tax rate if they have applied for an Over 65 tax exemption.
“Our school board is dedicated to prioritizing what is best for all children,” School Board President Eileen Palmer said. “I want to thank the community for participating in the survey. Your feedback has been instrumental in our planning."
More information about the November election will be shared to this website as well as across the district regarding opportunities for meetings and events to learn more about the bond. This year’s election is November 8, 2022.
