Houston ISD unveils $4.5 billion bond proposal – Houston Public Media

Houston ISD officials have named a new 28-person advisory committee to gather community feedback on a $4.5 billion bond proposal.

The committee is made up of elected administrators, teachers, community advocates and parents. It will mobilize the community at the neighborhood and campus level to address the immediate needs of the district. Three members – former HEB President Scott McClellan, former Texas State Representative Garnet Coleman and HISD Board of Trustees President Judith Cruz – will co-chair the advisory committee.

HISD officials said they haven’t had a bond on the ballot since 2012 and more than $10 billion is needed for renovation and maintenance of the district. They also said their goal was to provide safer, healthier and more modern schools for the future without increasing the tax rate.

This month, following repeated storms and power outages, dozens of schools were unable to reopen due to faulty air conditioners and outdated building infrastructure across the district. The bond is potentially the largest bond in Texas history.

Thursday’s meeting was the first in a series of community briefings on the bonds ahead of the Nov. 5 general election. A virtual meeting is planned for Saturday.

Several elected officials criticized state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles during a news conference Thursday and called for an end to the state’s takeover of HISD. NAACP Houston President James Dixon II said, “Currently, HISD is a graphic demonstration of taxation without representation. »

Ariel Worthy contributed to this report.