The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted unanimously to support San Antonio Independent School District’s upcoming 2016 (1) Bond Program and (2) Tax Ratification Election (TRE) that will be on the November 8 ballot.
This bond package, which totals $450 million dollars, will focus on the modernization of 13 schools including seven high schools, four middle schools and two elementary schools. The proposed renovations will replace aging infrastructure for buildings, some of which have not been upgraded in more than 40 years; improve science and technology labs; and provide general building safety upgrades as required under state law.
The increased revenue estimate to be generated by the proposed TRE would help provide technology in classrooms districtwide, afterschool and summer programs for more eligible students, and teacher compensation for expanded learning offerings for the more than 54,000 students attending the third largest independent school district in the city.
“As a community, we need to ensure students in the urban core of our city receive the tools and support necessary to foster their success. The passing of the SAISD bond and TRE for the funding of improvements and enhancements for aging schools is critical for the students, families, businesses and educators who reside and work within the district’s boundaries,” said Richard Perez, President & CEO of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is proud to support this important bond initiative and tax ratification election for the students of San Antonio ISD, and we encourage voters to vote yes on both proposals.”
The projected tax impact of this bond initiative and TRE would equate to approximately $7.59 a month in a property tax increase beginning in 2017, with incremental increases over the next five years, for a home appraised at $70,000.00. People who are 65 years of age or older, who have a homestead exemption, will be exempt from tax rate increases unless new improvements are made to their homes.
To view the detailed position statement of the chamber please click here.
For more information on the San Antonio ISD 2016 Bond Program and Tax Ratification Election, visit their website at https://www.saisd.net/bondTRE2016/. Early voting begins October 24 and ends November 4 with Election Day on November 8.
