Aldine voters OK bonds

By Gilbert Hoffman
Voters in Aldine, Spring and many other districts throughout the Houston area approved bond issues for their school districts, that will allow construction of new facilities to meet the demands of growing student populations.
For Aldine ISD, 880 voters decided that the district should sell a large $365 million dollar bond package as needed, to pay for new and upgraded facilities. The vote was 71% in favor, or 626 voters, and 29% against or 254 voters.
In Spring ISD, a similar margin approved a $280 million dollar bond issue. The turnout here was larger, with 4,779 voters approving the bonds by a margin of 69.6% for, and 30.4% against.
Not all districts were successful in their campaigns. Channelview ISD, for instance, asked for approval of a $125 million dollar bond issue for a new administration building and new fieldhouse, among other things, but was turned down by the voters 56% against, 44% in favor.

Aldine will sell bonds as necessary for their program, and the tax impact on homeowners will vary as these are tendered. When the program starts, taxes will increase by about $2.62 per month per house, and top out at about $15 per month, according to school officials.
Aldine plans to build new school buildings as follows: 4 new EC/PreK centers, 2 elementaries, 2 intermediates, 2 middle schools, 1 ninth grade, and one new high school. Additionally, the money will be used for renovations to kitchens, cillers, roofing, chalkboards, and magnet schools, performing arts facilities, science labs, and cafeterias throughout the district. Also, funds will purchase new buses with air conditioning, build a new transportation building, and improve safety and security on campuses. New flooring and turf will be installed at athletic facilities, and ADA compliance will be constructed as required.
Aldine superintendent Nadine Kujawa said “We are elated with these results because now we will have the resources to address our future growth issues and to plan for the next 10 years. I want to thank all of the individuals who worked so hard to see this bond referendum pass. We could not have accomplished this without their help and assistance.”