On November 7, Azle ISD voters will consider a $151.5 million bond to increase school safety, expand student opportunities, accommodate enrollment growth, and improve operational efficiency. All proposed projects would result in a total tax rate decrease due to recent legislation and growth in our community.
A long-range facilities planning committee made up of over 40 parents, staff, students, and community members recommended projects to the Board after a year of evaluating district finances, enrollment growth, and the immediate and long-term needs of Azle ISD.
Among the facts the committee considered:
- The District has added 500 students over the past 5 years.
- The District is projected to add 1000 more students in the next 5 years.
- Over the past 5 years of steady enrollment growth, the Board of Trustees has lowered the total tax rate over 11 cents.
- Property value growth and recent legislation make it possible for the District to fund all proposed bond projects and set a tax rate 8 cents lower than it was last year.
A key component of the long-range plan is a new grade configuration that utilizes District-owned property and existing facilities. By modifying elementary campuses for PreK-5th grades and expanding the junior highs to serve 6th-8th grades, the District can create capacity, align curriculum more closely with state standards, minimize student transitions between campuses, eliminate the need for a third intermediate school, and improve operational efficiencies.
“The recent opening of Hilltop Elementary and completion of the High School upgrades provides us more space for more students,” said Board President Bill Lane. “This bond is the next step in our plan to stay ahead of enrollment growth, managing it responsibly as it occurs, with an emphasis on improving safety and student opportunities.”
The bond election will be held November 7, 2023. Early voting will begin on October 23 and conclude on November 3. The bond will be presented as a single proposition and includes:
Azle Junior High replacement
- New campus for grades 6 - 8 on the existing site to replace the 1953 school
- Designed to keep all students under one roof
- Classrooms that meet TEA size requirements
- Storm shelter for students and staff
- Updated science labs and collaboration areas
- Utilize existing gyms and athletic field
- More opportunities for advanced academics, athletics, and fine arts starting in grade 6
Forte Junior High addition
- Classroom addition to relieve overcrowding and accommodate grades 6-8
- Updated science labs
- Storm shelter for all students and staff
- Additions and renovations for Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms, Special Education classrooms, Fine Arts classrooms, Health classroom, and weight room
- More opportunities for advanced academics, athletics, and fine arts starting in grade 6
Elementary and Intermediate School modifications
- Renovations to create neighborhood schools for grades PreK - 5, keeping students closer to home
- Modifications to Azle Elementary and Hoover Elementary to make campuses PreK and Kindergarten ready and incorporate Maker Space lab
- Modifications to Walnut Creek, Liberty, Eagle Heights, Silver Creek, Cross Timbers, and Hilltop Elementaries to incorporate science labs for students in grade 5
- Improve curriculum alignment with state standards for elementary and secondary
- Grade realignment creates eight total PreK-5 schools and reduces student transitions between campuses
District operations projects
- Upgrades to Azle ISD’s police headquarters
- Azle ISD’s police force is made up of 13 officers with plans for more as student enrollment grows
- New maintenance warehouse on District-owned land off Sandy Beach Road
“When the long-range facilities planning committee began their work, we anticipated a tax rate increase to fund any facility improvements,” said Superintendent Mr. Todd Smith. “However, with the passage of HB 1, the District can fund all proposed bond projects and reduce the total tax rate to $1.13, which is 8 cents lower than last year.”
In order to participate in this election, voters must be registered by October 10. Visit www.votetexas.gov to check your voter registration status.
More information about the upcoming election is available at https://www.azleisd.net/page/2023-bond.