On Aug. 14, Birdville ISD's Board of Trustees unanimously called for a bond election to be held as part of the general election on November 4. BISD voters are being asked to consider a $163.2 million bond program that was developed with extensive community input by a diverse group of citizens from all parts of the district. The program approved by the Board includes safety and security upgrades at every campus; science lab renovations/upgrades; rebuilding North Richland Middle School, The Academy at West Birdville Elementary School and Birdville Elementary School; renovations and upgrades to facilities across the district; and technology upgrades to address instructional requirements and obsolete equipment districtwide.

Under the program, all campuses in the district will receive upgrades, renovations or be rebuilt.

The bond program approved by the Board is $20 million less than the plan presented to voters in May 2013. Also, it does not include any school consolidations.

The proposed bond program:

• Eliminates more than 30 portable classrooms across the district;

• Provides additional safety and security measures throughout the district;

• Provides science lab upgrades;

• Funds technology upgrades to address instructional needs;

• Replaces obsolete computers for classrooms, labs, libraries, teachers and administration;

• Addresses priority renovation needs (requiring action in the next one to three years), roofs, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and drainage;

• Improves facility equity among high schools; and

• Replaces three existing facilities that are 50 to 65 years old with new facilities that require less money to operate and maintain. They are: North Richland Middle School, The Academy at West Birdville Elementary School, and Birdville Elementary School.

• Will be monitored by a Board-appointed citizen's bond oversight committee to monitor the scope, timeline and expenditure of bond funds.

If BISD voters approve this bond package, it will increase property taxes approximately $3 per month on a house valued at $120,000. State law prohibits the district from raising school taxes for residents age 65 or older. Therefore, BISD residents who have an "Over 65" property tax exemption will not see an increase in their school taxes if the bond program is approved.

Early voting is October 20-31, and Election Day is November 4.

For specific information on the 2014 bond program, visit www.bisdbond14.net.