Courtesy of TISD
The Texarkana Texas Independent School Board met in special session on Thursday and approved some big measures for the district.
They have approved some building and improvement plans and will be adding several police officers to enhance security in the district.
Here are the Press Releases from TISD, with the buildings and improvement first, followed by the officer expansion:
During a special called meeting on Thursday, August 11, The Texarkana Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved calling a School Bond Election for November 8, 2022. The proposal was developed by a Long Range Planning Committee of 39 community members from across the district, including parents, community and business leaders, representatives from civic organizations and elected officials. Their primary task was to develop and present to the Board of Trustees a long-term Master Facilities Plan that included a recommendation for implementation.
“We are grateful to the Board, the more than 300 district stakeholders who contributed to
the development of the district’s new Imagine 2026 Strategic Plan, and the business and
community leaders who carefully studied needs and prioritized projects over the summer
as members of the Long Range Planning Committee,” said TISD Superintendent, Dr. Doug
Brubaker. The last Texarkana ISD bond passed eight years ago in 2014. TISD constructed the
Waggoner Creek Elementary School and the Sixth Grade Center on the Texas Middle School
campus with the proceeds of those bonds.The 2022 Bond will ask voters to consider a $189 million package with two propositions:
Proposition A includes safety and security upgrades, a Prekindergarten replacement
school which will keep the Paul Laurence Dunbar name, a new replacement elementary
school on the district’s Pine Street site for Highland Park and Spring Lake Park students,
additions and renovations to Wake Village Elementary School, and new school buses. The
total of Proposition A is $130 million.If Proposition A is approved in November, the estimated tax impact would be a $9.06 per
month increase for the average home valued at $119,550. Proposition B is for new and existing facilities for Career and Technical Education at the Texas High School campus. The total for Proposition B is $59 million. If Proposition B is approved in November, the estimated tax impact would be a $4.12 per month increase for the average home valued at $119,550.“This bond has the potential to impact students from Pre-K through high school,” Dr.
Brubaker said, “from the moment they first begin their learning to the moment they
graduate and begin to pursue their academic and professional goals.”Homeowners age 65 and older will not be impacted by the passage of the bond
propositions if they have filed for and received the Over 65 Homestead Exemption with
Bowie Central Appraisal District. Their school district taxes are frozen and will not exceed
the frozen dollar amount.Early voting begins October 24 and ends November 4, and Election Day is November 8,
2022.
Police hiring Press Release:
During a special called board meeting on August 11, 2022, the TISD Board of
Trustees approved two additional police officer positions for the Texarkana ISD Police
Department. The added positions will bring the total number of full time officers to nine within the
department. The TISD Police Department also employs four full-time security officers.“We appreciate the TISD Board of Trustees for being proactive regarding the safety of our students
and staff. The funding for additional police officers at the elementary campuses will enhance the
ability for our schools to be monitored frequently,” said Wake Village Elementary Principal, Mindy
Gennings.Texarkana ISD Chief of Police Brad Irvin said, “I am extremely excited to be able to add two
additional police officers for the safety and security of our elementary campuses. The enhanced
visibility of the officers will allow us to continue our focus on protecting students and staff, while
bringing another level of support to students by building relationships with them that foster
positive growth and development.”TISD will seek to fill the open positions immediately.