This November, Houston voters will decide on a $4.4 billion bond proposal from Houston Independent School District to address school infrastructure needs.
The bond, if approved, would be the largest in Texas history, funding upgrades to heating, air conditioning, and security systems, and expanded education programs.
While some support the initiative, others are skeptical, citing concerns over the current state-appointed leadership.
Support for the Bond
HISD Superintendent Mike Miles said multiple independent assessments have determined the district needs $10 billion for repairs and improvements. Still, the bond was set at $4.4 billion to keep it within what the community can manage.
“We’ve had five different groups assess the state of our facilities and infrastructure... The need is $10 billion, but we had to choose an amount the community could afford,” said Miles.
To ensure accountability, Miles emphasized the district’s plan to have an oversight committee: “We have an oversight committee that will be both an independent group of citizens in Houston and then also our internal oversight group.”
Opposition to the Bond
Opponents argue that the bond, while addressing needed upgrades, represents a significant financial commitment under leadership they do not trust.
Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers Union, expressed concerns, saying, “He [Miles] wants a blank check from the taxpayers that will eventually cost us $8.9 billion in 30 years.”
State Representative Christina Morales echoed these sentiments, stating, “No trust, no bond,” reflecting concerns over transparency and management under the state-appointed board.
Advocates Push for Action
Supporters, however, believe the bond is necessary to improve learning environments across the district. Bob Sanborn, president of Children at Risk, argued that improved facilities would benefit the education of HISD’s 180,000 students.
“There’s no doubt that if we have better schools, better Pre-K, we’ll be better off for children,” Sanborn said. He also warned of the consequences of delaying the bond: “If we don’t vote for this now, we’ll be voting for it in a couple of years, but by then, a whole group of kids will have fallen behind.”
Details of the Bond
The bond proposal is split into two parts:
- Proposition A requests $3.96 billion to build new schools, renovate existing ones, and enhance safety measures across HISD. The district plans to repay this bond through existing property tax revenue.
- Proposition B seeks $440 million for technology upgrades, including new computers, tablets, and improved Wi-Fi for students and staff.
While HISD has stated that property taxes will not increase if the bond is passed, voters may note the ballot mentions a “property tax increase.”
The Consequences of Inaction
Miles has made it clear that even if the bond is not approved, the district will still need to address its aging infrastructure. However, he cautioned that delaying these upgrades will only lead to higher costs in the future.
“If the bond doesn’t pass, the work in the district continues... but every year you put the problems off, they don’t go away, and then it’s more costly to replace,” said Miles.
A Choice for Voters
Houston voters must decide whether to approve a significant financial investment under the current state-appointed administration or wait until the district is returned to elected officials.
FULL INTERVIEW FROM ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW WITH SUPERINTENDENT MILES
Candace “The proposed $4.4 billion bond is the largest in Texas history, if approved, and some critics worry about how the funds will be managed. Can you walk us through the district’s plan to ensure transparency and to prevent mismanagement?”
Superintendent Mike Miles “We have outlined in the ballot language that this school is getting X amount of dollars for health and safety, air conditioning, whatever it is. So that commits us to spending... We have an oversight committee that will be both an independent group of citizens in Houston and then also our own internal oversight group.”
Candace “Some people are concerned that the district is asking for more money than it actually needs.”
Mike Miles “We’ve had five different groups assess the state of our facilities and infrastructure... The need is $10 billion, but we had to choose an amount that the community could afford and the community would want.”
Candace “We’ve done stories about enrollment declining at campuses like this. So the question is, why are we building new schools when enrollment is an issue?
Mike Miles “We’re keeping an eye on that. We did demographic studies on where the kids are moving. All of our kids deserve to be in facilities where they can learn the best.”
Candace “So with the building improvements, do you project that more kids will come to schools like Fleming?”
Mike Miles “I can’t advocate for the bond, but when you think about the conditions in which a kid needs to be educated, you want the teachers to feel good about how they’re working... People want to go to those types of schools, not just for the academics.”
Candace “If the bond is to pass, what specific improvements will result right away?”
Mike Miles “You’re going to see things like health and safety first cameras, more lighting... air conditioning units and heating systems. We can start doing that faster.”
Candace “If it doesn’t pass?”
Mike Miles “If the bond doesn’t pass, the work in the district continues. Every year you put the problems off, they don’t go away number one, and then it’s more costly to replace.”