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Community Approves East Central ISD Bond Proposal

Community Approves East Central ISD Bond Proposal 

East Central ISD voters passed the proposed 2022 Bond by 62 percent, approving the $240 million package to address overcrowding issues at every campus, as well as safety and security, career and technical education, and land purchases for future growth.

The approved bond package provides funding to construct two new elementary schools, a new middle school, a new CTE multipurpose facility, add 320 pre-k/kindergarten seats, and renovations to several campuses. The election brought more than 17,000 voters to the polls. 

“We are so thankful and appreciative of our East Central ISD community,” said Superintendent Roland Toscano. “The additions of two new elementary schools and a new middle school, as well as numerous renovations, are going to help us effectively address several issues that we’ve been experiencing because we’re growing so quickly.” 

East Central ISD is expected to reach 13,215 students by the end of 2025 and 19,689 students by 2032. That makes it one of the fastest-growing districts in Texas.

Even as a fast-growth district, the state doesn’t provide funding for facilities.

“It’s left up to the community to find a way to build new schools or expand existing schools when enrollment increases,” said Toscano. “We’ve worked hard through the years to manage funds conservatively, and with no tax increase for the next two years, now was the right time for our voters to act.”

East Central Independent School District has a proven track record when it comes to sound financial management and decision-making. The district has consistently maintained one of the lowest tax rates in Texas and, with the passage of the bond, will continue to remain one of the lowest in the region. Over the last 10 years, the district has refinanced debt six times, resulting in saving of more than $6 million for ECISD taxpayers.

The district will now get to work on the next steps and will begin coordinating with architects to conduct a competitive bidding process for each project, as well as finalizing a construction schedule and working with district financial advisors to establish a bond program schedule.

“We’re grateful to our community for all the support they provide to our schools, our students, and staff,” said Toscano.“This is a wonderful community that I’m proud to serve.”