Truth missing from bond supporters’ arguments
Why won’t the supporters of the $1.4 billion bond be truthful about it?
Maybe it’s because the facts do not support a yes vote.
The fact is that there may not be a tax rate increase but there will be a tax increase.
The fact is this bond will eat up the large state tax cut you otherwise would receive.
The fact is that the $1.4 billion bond includes wants as well as needs.
The fact is the bond includes $40 million for indoor football practice facilities.
The fact is that we believe this may be in violation of state law which requires that this type of facility be on a separate proposition. That is how Odessa is handling their bond proposal.
The fact is, if passed, it would be the eighth-largest school bond in Texas history.
The fact is MISD is rated near the bottom in Texas for student performance.
The fact is that new buildings do not mean higher student achievement.
The fact is that two of MISD’s three new elementary schools are rated C and the other F.
That fact is that MISD has more than $200 million in surplus funds, more than $80 million more than needed for emergency and bond rating reasons.
The fact is those funds could be used to construct a much-needed new elementary school at no additional taxpayer expense.
The fact is that the remaining surplus could be used to start on deferred maintenance, and/or safety and security.
The fact is MISD’s plan includes the destruction of Ranchland Hills Golf Course.
The fact is you can be a supporter of Midland’s school children without being for the $1.4 billion dollar bond.
That is where I find myself. I had the honor of serving as mayor of Midland from 1972-1980, a time when I spent much of my working hours on city business. (A mayor of Midland receives $75 a month compensation.) We raised our four children here and all graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. Two of them are now again Midland residents.
I love Midland and want it to prosper and grow. The opportunity is there for that to be a reality, but it will not happen if we do not get our education system fixed. Having less than 40% of students performing at grade level is a statistic which we cannot ignore. MISD must demonstrate the commitment and the strategy to radically alter student performance. Teachers cannot succeed when discipline is nearly non-existent as many are saying, and the recently resigned MISD police chief seems to confirm.
Less than a year ago MISD was fortunate to hire Stephanie Howard as our new superintendent. We knew Dr. Howard well when she was the principal at Lee High School, where she did an excellent job. I am confident she has the ability and the will to get MISD where it needs to be, at the top not the bottom in Texas. Saddling the district with a $1.4 billion bond is not the way to start.
Support our children and our community by voting for MISD accountability, not for $1.4 billion. If you agree with me cast a no vote on the bond.
Regardless of the outcome, I and Move Midland are committed to continuing being a part of the discussion on issues that impact all of us. We believe facts matter and transparency and accountability go hand in hand to successfully promote projects that have the potential to make Midland better for all who live here and those who want to come here.