MFISD voters overwhelmingly approve $55 million bond issue
By Lew K. Cohn
Managing Editor
The Highlander
Marble Falls ISD voters overwhelmingly approved a $55 million bond issue Tuesday night in final but unofficial returns.
More than 69 percent of voters (5,469) voted in favor of Proposition A, while just under 31 percent (2,434) voted against the measure, which called for “the issuance of $55,000,000 school building bonds for the construction, acquisition and equipment of school buildings in the District (including the rehabilitation, renovation, expansion and improvement thereof) and the purchase of new school buses and levying of the tax in payment thereof.”
Bond proceeds will be used tonecessary improvements to all campus facilities, based on a recommendation from a citizen-led committee, MFISD Superintendent Dr. Chris Allen said. Bonds could be issued as early as February 2019.
“I am pleased that the work organized by our Facilities Planning Committee has been validated by the community. This will mean safer and better schools for the students of Marble Falls ISD,” Allen said Tuesday.
The bond election calls for upgrades and improvements in three major areas — safety and security, renovations and aging facilities.
Under safety and security, proceeds would pay for lockdown systems and keyless access to district buildings, as well as a controlled single point of entry vestibule at Marble Falls High School. The Highland Lakes Elementary main campus would be connected to the fourth grade hall and there would be improved traffic circulation and parking at all campuses. Other upgrades include fire alarms and sprinkler systems, new buses equipped with seatbelts and mental health and counseling spaces at all campuses.
Under renovations, the front entrance of MFHS would be renovated, while fine arts spaces, collaboration spaces and service/assistance locations would be expanded as needed. The high school cafeteria would also be expanded and connected to the existing library and student commons.
Other renovations include expansion of the Max Copeland gym girls' locker room; improving acoustics and sound proofing of existing band hall and making restroom improvements at MFMS; and renovating the old junior high next to Marble Falls Elementary to be used for additional early childhood programs.
Under aging facilities, the district would replace more than 90 HVAC units which are 25 years or older and repair and replace roofs and plumbing. The track and turf at Mustang Stadium would be resurfaced to maintain safe surfaces for student use and technology would also be upgraded throughout the district.
