Dear Star-Telegram Editorial Board:
The children in our elementary schools today will experience careers that have not even been created yet. Their level of success in life will be determined by the essential critical-thinking skills they learn to implement in school over the next dozen years.
On May 5, we have the opportunity to shape lives –to shape and improve futures.
The HEB Chamber of Commerce totally supports the upcoming HEB ISD bond election. Our Business Advocacy Goal Team researched and recommended to our Board that we endorse the passage of this bond election.
It’s this simple: Enriching the educational opportunities our schools can provide will make the HEB area an even more vibrant area in which to live, work and play. HEB ISD is projected to grow by more than 2,600 students over the next decade, so we must take action now to prepare for them.
As a Chamber, we are convinced that the funds within this bond package will be good for our community, good for our students and good for our business climate. By improving our ability to educate today’s students, who will become tomorrow’s leaders and business owners, this bond issue will foster economic development at the beginning level by providing us with an educated workforce.
These skilled workers will attract more businesses and jobs to our community, resulting in more enterprises to pay taxes. Their success in attracting new businesses can ultimately result in lower property taxes for homeowners to pay in the future.
The $199 million total package will deliver two new elementary schools to accommodate the growth and relocation of students from West Hurst Elementary. Classroom additions at each junior high school will replace all portable buildings for instruction with permanent facilities.
Campus improvements will include:
- Renovation and repurposing of West Hurst Elementary to consolidate the district’s special education support services into a single location
- Interior improvement of all five junior high schools
- A new orchestra addition and cafeteria renovation at Central Junior High
- Relocation of the main entry of Euless Junior High to accommodate the expansion of Highway 183/Airport Freeway
In addition, the bond will upgrade the District’s technology infrastructure, replace aging computers and provide new classroom technology and portable electronic devices for our students.
Please go to/click on this link to learn all about the HEB ISD Bond 2018 program: http://hebisdbond.com.
I ask you to join us, in voting YES in support this crucial school bond. The future of our children and our community depends upon your vote.
Steve Farco
HEB Chamber of Commerce, Immediate Past Chairman (817/253-8373)
