FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can CCISD support the facility long-term in areas such as insurance, utility, maintenance, and janitorial? Will CCISD need to hire extra staff to maintain?
Yes. None of the proposed projects would increase our staff levels and renovated, or newer buildings typically require less maintenance and are more efficient than older, non-renovated buildings.
I need some clarification. Any "new" construction has to be ADA-compliant, right? You all keep talking about the ADA. What is the minimum required, and what extras are you all talking about?
The American Disabilities Act and Texas Accessibility Standards are guidelines public buildings must follow and abide by. Those requirements have significantly changed since our current buildings were designed and built. We only have to bring those buildings up to code if we do a renovation that triggers the requirement. All new buildings are required to be designed and built to allow access by people of all abilities.
ADA Standards for Accessible Design | ADA.gov
Read the 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards Online | Texas.gov
It costs $300,000-$400,000, depending on what you get with it. Are we only buying one bus? Buses mean more than one. So, should we spend half of the Proposition A bond on buses? Has anyone checked into long-term effects such as insurance and maintenance costs?
The proposed bond will not increase insurance and maintenance costs. The intent is to replace or enhance the fleet we already have, phasing out older buses. Newer buses typically require less maintenance and are more efficient than older buses.
How about the benefits to all levels of CCISD and their Academic needs? Teachers and staff are essential. They are one of the most valued assets. What do they need to teach or carry out their position successfully? Not just select groups benefitting from this project.
Our students and staff are our school and community's most essential and cherished part. The CCISD board and administrators work daily to ensure a safe and proper learning environment. Transportation and security are ongoing tasks for the district, impacting all students.
What is a bond?
A bond is similar to a home mortgage. It is a contract to repay borrowed money with an interest rate over time. Bonds are sold by a school district to investors to raise funds to pay for specific items such as costs of construction, renovations, land, equipment and other items described in the ballot language.
What is a bond election?
School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors in order to raise the capital dollars required to renovate existing buildings or build a new school. Essentially, it’s permission to take out a loan to build, renovate, and pay that loan back over an extended period of time, much like a family takes out a mortgage loan for their home. A school board calls a bond election so voters can decide whether or not they want to pay for proposed facility projects.
Why do school districts need to sell bonds?
Most school districts in Texas utilize bonds to finance renovations and new facilities. This bond would allow the district to finance additions and renovations without impacting the District’s regular budget items such as school programs, teachers, and staff.
How can bond funds be used?
Bond funds can be used to pay for new buildings, additions and renovations to existing facilities, land acquisition, technology infrastructure and equipment, for new or existing buildings, and large-ticket items such as school buses. Bonds cannot be used for salaries or operating costs such as utility bills, supplies, building maintenance, fuel, and insurance.