Education Focus — October 2007

Education Focus — October 2007

Wednesday, 07 November 2007

1. Campus-Facility Renovations – $233.6 million – With more than 75 campuses and facilities more than 30 years old, nearly 45% of bond money is improving existing campuses. Improvements in Northwest Austin include window replacements at Doss Elementary School, restroom renovation and roofing work at Anderson High School and art room renovations at McCallum High School.

2. New Schools, Facilities Additions and Land – $228.2 million – Of the eight new campuses being built with 2004 bond money, three opened in fall 2007. One unnamed middle school will open fall 2009 and two elementary schools will be sited based on projected growth.

3. Safety and Security – $21 million – Money for safety and security systems at each AISD campus, which includes card readers, security cameras and improved lighting.

4. Low-Emission School Buses – $13.2 million – On Nov. 7 AISD unveiled its first hybrid school bus, the first in Texas. The plug-in hybrid school bus gets 12 miles to the gallon, double that of a traditional school bus.

5. Contractual Obligations – $23.5 million – Refinancing existing debt allows for more operations funding for Austin schools.

To accompany info on 2008 Bond committee: As 2004 bond objectives are achieved, AISD Board of Trustees saw fit to form the Citizens’ 2008 Bond Advisory Committee. Appointed on Oct. 8, the 21-person committee is comprised of citizens from across Austin. The CBAC has already met with the public five times and will continue to meet with the public until making a recommendation to the board Jan. 28, 2008. The bond election will be held May 10, 2008.

Meeting Calendar:

• Dec. 4, 2007, 6 p.m., Board Auditorium
• Dec. 18, 2007, 6 p.m., Board Auditorium
• Jan. 8, 2008, 6 p.m., Board Auditorium
• Jan. 22, 2008, 6 p.m., Delco Center

1. Presentation on 2008 Interim Bond Program Jan. 22, 2007.
2. Presentation on 2008 Interim Bond Program Feb. 26, 2007.
3. Additional discussions of 2008 Interim Bond June 28, 2007 and Aug.18, 2007.
4. Appointment of Citizens’ Bond Advisory Committee (CBAC) Oct.8, 2007.
5. CBAC holds organizational meeting Oct. 9, 2007.
6. CBAC gathers information, studies possible projects and develops recommendations for community review October - December 2007.
7. CBAC holds public forums for community comment on bond program proposal Jan. 10, and Jan. 15, 2008.
8. CBAC presents recommendations to the Board of Trustees Jan. 28, 2008.
9. Board of Trustees holds work sessions on 2008 Bond Program proposal Feb. 10, 2008. Board of Trustees will holds public forums on the 2008 Bond Program proposal February 2008.
10. Board holds work session on bond proposal February 2008.
11. Board of Trustees approves order calling the Election (must be approved by March 7th) March 3, 2008.
12. Bond campaign held March 4 - May 5, 2008.
13. Bond election held May 10, 2008.

The Board auditorium is located in Building B, 1111 West Sixth Street.

The Delco Center is located at 4601 Pecan Brook Drive.

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