Cameron ISD to host informational meetings about 2022 bond issue
Cameron ISD will hold three informational meetings to discuss the upcoming May bond issue and answer questions. The informationals will be held on March 28, April 4 and April 14 at 6 p.m. in the Yoe High School cafeteria.
CISD Superintendent Kevin Sprinkles has answered some questions regarding the bond issue.
Why does Cameron ISD propose to create a College and Career and Technical Education Center and improve its Ag facilities?
Cameron ISD is committed to providing a high-quality, 21st Century education for all students, empowering them to pursue productive, fulfilling lives and careers in an ever-changing, progressive and competitive world. Whether students plan to go straight to work or to college after graduating, CISD’s goal is to equip them with the tools necessary to succeed on their path in life. The proposed projects would create an environment where students can engage in a hands-on experience with tools and equipment that replicate the real-world work environment. These experiences will enable our students to be job-ready upon graduation and highly marketable in today’s competitive workforce landscape.
Can you describe Career and Technical Education at Cameron ISD?
Cameron ISD currently offers 13 Career and Technology (CTE) pathways for students at C.H. Yoe High School. Each pathway has the ability to result in a certification, lead to a career, an Associate’s Degree, and or a Bachelor’s Degree. These classes equip students with program specific knowledge. A few examples of the pathways include Health Sciences, Culinary Arts, Criminal Justice, Veterinary Technician and Computer Science.
CTE courses provide students with rigorous content that teaches them relevant knowledge and skills needed to prepare them for both further education and careers. Students enrolled in CTE courses have the opportunity to earn certifications, college credit, and real-world work experience that can directly apply to their paths after high school. There are more than 430 students enrolled in CTE courses in Cameron ISD. There are 13 CTE course pathways where students can earn certifications. In 2020-21, 148 students earned certifications through their CTE courses.
What will $15,900,000 provide for district students?
This bond proposes transforming the original C.H. Yoe high school into a College and Career & Technical Education Center. The renovated facility would be a functional part of Yoe High School. Renovations to the building would repair or replace infrastructure, enhance safety, and integrate the C.H. Yoe legacy with a 21st Century educational experience. The building would become home to modern and future-ready Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, adapting each space to fit the needs of each program. The programs to be housed in the original C.H. Yoe Building are:
• Health Sciences
• Computer Science
• Business Education
• Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement
• Future Teacher Education
• Dual Credit (College Courses w/ Temple College)
This bond also proposes renovations to district Ag Facilities to improve roofing, accessibility, and safety and to equip them for additional CTE programs. The programs to be housed in the Ag Facilities are:
• Welding
• Floral Lab
• Veterinary Technician
The renovated original C.H. Yoe High School Building and Ag Facilities are envisioned to provide every student that attends C.H. Yoe High School a hands-on learning experience that will ensure career and post-secondary success.
One example of this would be our health sciences pathway. In the proposed renovation of the original C.H. Yoe building, our health science students would work toward obtaining their Certified Nursing Assistant certification in a facility that is designed to replicate a hospital room with hospital beds, medical equipment and the latest tools required to be utilized by CNA’s in their field. This ability to learn using the very latest equipment in a real-world environment will give our students a competitive edge when they are seeking employment.
Did the district look at building a new facility instead of renovating the original C.H. Yoe High School building?
Yes. During the development stage of the bond program the district asked its architect to provide a budget estimate of a new freestanding building to house CTE programs. We did this in an effort to compare the cost of a new building and the renovation of the original C.H. Yoe High School Facility. The estimate of the new freestanding building came in at $13,595,390 and the cost to renovate the original C.H. Yoe building came in at $13,643,774. A new building was estimated to provide a savings of $48,384. However, through discussions it was determined that the renovation of the original C.H Yoe building would provide a safer learning environment for students as it would be connected to the current high school and therefore students wouldn’t have to go outside of the building envelope to access their CTE classes. Being connected to the high school, students could more easily transition from their core curriculum classes to their CTE classes with less time lost. In essence the newly renovated facility would be under one roof with the current high school.
What will be the cost of the bond to the taxpayers?
Cameron ISD estimates the maximum tax impact to be an increase of $0.025 or 2.5 cents, which equates to an increase of $18.75 per year or $1.56 per month on a home valued at $115,000, which is the average home value in Cameron.
Also on the ballot this May, voters will have the opportunity to increase their Homestead Exemption from $25,000 to $40,000. If approved, this will reduce the taxable value of residents’ property and, therefore, likely reduce the amount paid in property taxes.
If I am over 65 years old, how will the bond impact me?
For residents 65-years and older, their school district tax bill will not increase, even if their property values increase (excluding property improvements) as long as an approved Homestead and Over-65 Exemption application is on file with the Milam County Appraisal District, and the property has been owned as of Jan. 1 of the tax year.
How can I learn more about the Cameron ISD May 2022 Bond?
In an effort to provide as much information as possible about the bond election, the district will be hosting three town hall meetings to discuss the bond and its impact on our students and the community. These meetings are scheduled for March 28th, April 4th and April 18th at 6:00pm in the C.H. Yoe High School Cafeteria. People interested in bond information can also visit the district’s Facebook page as well as the CISD website.
Who is eligible to vote in the May 2022 bond election?
Anyone who is a registered voter and lives within the Cameron ISD district boundaries is eligible to vote in this election.
Voter registration applications are available at the Milam County Clerk’s office. To vote in the May 7, 2022 election, your voter registration application must be submitted by April 7.
When will voting for the May 2022 bond take place?
Early voting will take place on April 25 through May 3 on weekdays. Election day is May 7, 2022.