CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — For most, the upcoming election will bring a chance to weigh-in on several amendments to our state’s constitution. For some, however, there are additional items to be decided.
That includes another school bond proposal for those who live in the Tuloso-Midway ISD.
The last time T-M had a successful bond election was in 2011.
In November's election, voters will decide whether any -- or all -- of Bond 2023 will become reality.
Tuloso-Midway ISD leaders are quick to tell you that this is their time. On Nov. 7, voters will determine whether it is also time for Bond 2023.
Passing Proposition A would mean $152 million for a new junior-high campus and a new Career and Technical Education Center, which would create space for welding, engineering, cosmetology, and various animal, plant and health-science programs.
“We are in serious need of making sure facilities that were built, on average, 40 years ago can stay alive and educate at least two or three more generations of students," said T-MISD Superintendent Steve VanMatre.
In addition, "Prop A" would bring new and needed safety-and-security upgrades to all campuses; new buses; and still leave money for several maintenance issues.
There is also Proposition B, which lays out $7.8 million to upgrade and maintain the district's natatorium, and if voters are so inclined, Proposition C adds $5 million for upgrades and repairs to baseball, softball and tennis facilities.
“The natatorium was built when T-M High School was built, in 1984," VanMatre said. "At that time, it was the crown jewel of the Coastal Bend. Not so, anymore.”
VanMatre said the district is confident that by addressing these needs now, T-MISD will be able to effectively serve students for years to come.
“We’re building for growth, we’re building for safety and security, and we’re building for dreams and opportunities for T-M kids,” he said.
Because they are a recapture district, VanMatre says T-MISD sent more than $5 million of local tax money back to the state of Texas last month alone.
He says that every dollar of money in Bond 2023 stays with T-M kids.