During a recent meeting, the Austin Public School Board made a significant decision regarding local education infrastructure. They unanimously agreed to hold a special election where voters will have the opportunity to decide on a referendum containing two key proposals. The first proposal calls for an investment of nearly $55 million aimed at upgrading eight school buildings within the district. These renovations are intended to improve student safety and enhance the learning environment by providing safer entrances, updated bathrooms, and renovated classrooms. The second proposal seeks to secure $12 million for renovating the pool at Ellis Middle School. Although organizing this special election will incur expenses ranging from $28,000 to $33,000, the school board reassured the community that these costs are already covered in this year’s budget. Currently, a date for the special election has not been announced, but the board is committed to proceeding with the plans for the betterment of the schools and student facility offerings.
(ABC 6 News) – At Monday’s school board meeting, the Austin school board unanimously approved a special election for voters to decide the fate of the district’s multi-million dollar referendum.
A date for the special election has yet to be set.
The upcoming referendum includes to questions. The first surrounds a $54.7 million investment from voters for the district to make improvements at 8 buildings across the district. Those improvements would include: safer entrances, updated bathrooms, more accessible spaces, and renovations to bathrooms and classrooms.
The second question asks for $12 million for upgrades to the Ellis Middle School pool. The second question could only pass if the first question passes.
The school board also discussed the cost of the special election to the district. Officials estimate the printing of the ballots, the hiring of election judges, and renting voting machines would cost the district between $28,000-$33,000. Superintendent Dr. Joey Page says that money has already been accounted for in the district’s 25-26 budget.
