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West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District announced there will be a $72 million bond proposal on the Saturday, May 4, ballot.
According to information from the district, the bond aims to enhance education facilities and ensure the safety and security of students and staff. The bond will include projects such as constructing a new North Early Learning Center campus, district-wide safety upgrades, restroom and HVAC upgrades, technology enhancements and acquiring new buses.
Built in 1964, North Early Learning Center, 801 Cordrey Ave., has historically been the home of North High School and M.B. North Middle School and operates as North Early Learning Center.
North offers full-day Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Head Start and Early Childhood Special Education.
The bond proposal’s centerpiece is the construction of a new North Early Learning Center campus on 27 acres of land behind the elementary school that the district purchased.
“This modern facility will cater to our community’s early education needs and provide an immersive experience,” according to the district proposal, which will also allocate funds for safety and security upgrades throughout the district, as well as student and staff restroom facilities upgrades.
“HVAC systems will be modernized to enhance energy efficiency and indoor air quality, creating a more comfortable learning environment,” the district reported.
The technology upgrades will reportedly enable WOCCISD to stay at the forefront of educational innovation and offer students access to state-of-the-art tools and resources, empowering them to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
The district’s tax base and valuation allow these improvements without impacting homeowners’ tax rates, the district further shared.
“Homeowners will not see an increase in their tax rate,” district officials announced, pointing to an additional 20% district homestead exemption allowed for WOCCISD homeowners in addition to the general $100,000 state exemption. “WOCCISD’s tax rate has remained the same or decreased for the past 10 years. However, it’s important to note that state law now requires every school district to include the statement: ‘This is a property tax increase’ on the ballot, regardless of the actual impact on the tax rate.”
Information on the district tax rate and for the current and previous years can be found at WOCCISD.net or www. WOCCISDbond.com.
Residents must be registered to vote by Sunday, April 7, to be eligible for the May 4 election. Early voting will take place from April 22-26 and April 29-30.
For more information on the bond proposal and voting details, visit woccisdbond.com.