Overview
On November 7, Azle ISD voters approved a $151.5 million bond to increase school safety, expand student opportunities, accommodate enrollment growth, and improve operational efficiency.
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 five years.
The District is projected to add 1000 more students in the next five 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 β 5th grades and expanding the junior highs to serve 6th β 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.
βThe 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.β
Bill Lane, Azle ISD Board President Β
