CISD will hold $15.9 million bond election in May

The Cameron Independent School District will hold a $15.9 million bond election on May 7 after the CISD Board proposed the package during a school board meeting last week.

This funding would finance a series of projects that would address aging infrastructure.

“Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the C.H. Yoe Family’s donation for the construction of the original C.H. Yoe High School building,” Superintendent Kevin Sprinkles said. “As the district looked forward to this milestone, we began to consider all that could be done with this historical building. What began as a series of ‘what-ifs’ developed into a plan that addresses career and technical education program needs, while improving and restoring the original C.H. Yoe building as well as the district’s current Ag Facilities.”

Voters denied a proposed $14.5 million bond package last November that could have funded these improvements. Sprinkles said these projects — that also would enhance the welding, floral lab and vet tech programs — remain a priority.

“It is a goal of the district to improve the facilities in which our career and technology pathway courses are being taught,” he said. “Facilities that are appropriate in size, and replicate the work environment will ensure quality programs and future career success.”

Sprinkles said that current market cost escalations and postponed construction times led to the rise in cost of the bond package.

“We reevaluated each project and considered other options while recognizing the cost implications of executing these projects later than initially proposed back in August 2021,” he said. “If the bond referendum is approved, CISD estimates the maximum tax impact to be an increase of 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 Independent School District.”

The district’s website will be updated with information about the bond proposition, the proposed bond projects, and details on when and where to vote.

Early voting to be held from April 25 to May 3. Election day is May 7.