Large districts are seeking bonds for infrastructure upgrades, classroom technology and instructional materials. What else are leaders asking for?
A detailed analysis from Burbio, a school data tracking firm, reveals trends from bond proposals in some of the largest districts in the country.
Oklahoma’s Tulsa Public Schools will vote on a proposition to spend more than $200 million on textbooks, library books, electronic media content, computer software and licenses, among other priorities. Leaders also intend to use these funds for special education.
In May, Ingham ISD in Michigan will vote on a nearly $100 million bond to build and upgrade buildings serving special education students. These upgrades include accessibility improvements for students who rely on wheelchairs, enlarging hallways, modernizing mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and more.
One of the buildings the district wants to replace was built in 1968 and hasn’t received significant updates other than a roof replacement in 2014, according to the district’s website.
Meanwhile, Texas’ Dallas ISD is asking for $6.2 billion for the following:
- Building 26 replacement schools at various campuses
- Renovating and modernizing every school
- Removing the district’s 700 remaining school portables
- Upgrading safety and security
- Updating school furniture
- Upgrading student technology and purchasing new school buses
- Upgrading physical education facilities
- Repairing the district’s swimming pools
Other significant proposals include:
Olathe Public Schools, KS: The district will vote on a $389 million bond to close four “end-of-life” schools and build two new buildings, replace band and orchestra instruments, address ongoing maintenance issues and more.
Tuloso-Midway ISD, TX: Proposition B requests $4 million to upgrade technology devices in phases to replace the district’s approximately 67% of devices that are between three and 10 years old.
Mahwah Township Public School District, NJ: As part of its $138 million bond up for a vote in March, the district wants to build a designated space for its 18- to 21-year-old special needs program.
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