$140M bond could bring major upgrades to Tuloso-Midway ISD

Early voting began for a $140M Tuloso-Midway ISD bond aimed at upgrading aging facilities, adding new buildings and expanding the district’s technology.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A major decision for Tuloso-Midway ISD is now in the hands of voters as early voting begins for a $140 million school bond election.

The Tuloso-Midway ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved calling the May 2 election, which asks voters to consider funding for infrastructure upgrades, new facilities and expanded technology across the district.

District leaders say the bond could bring significant improvements, especially with financial support from local industry.

For parent Melinda Gomez Arriaga, the decision hits close to home. She has three children in the district and one who has graduated.

“Three being boys, one girl, I have athletes, I have scholars, I have a child who is autistic. I get to see a lot of the different resources that TMISD has,” Gomez Arriaga said.

She was among the first voters in line on the first day of early voting, saying she believes the bond could help address aging facilities.

In a coastal district like Tuloso-Midway, officials say environmental factors such as saltwater exposure and nearby refineries can accelerate systems like HVAC and roofing.

“If you know anybody that’s had a TMISD, specifically a high school student, they will tell you that this year there have been delays in getting their education because they’ve had to stop because the HVAC stopped working, the school was getting too hot,” Gomez Arriaga said.

Superintendent Steve VanMatre said working on roofing is one of the first items on their list.

“We’ve got some catching up to do, from a facility perspective, to reach the expectations of this community,” VanMatre said.

The proposed bond would fund a range of projects beyond building upgrades, including new school buses, expanded technology for students and teachers, a new band hall and a multipurpose pavilion.

VanMatre also said taxpayers would not carry the full financial burden.

“TM’s property values are over $4 billion which means we have to send a significant amount of those tax values or tax collections back to the state of Texas. None of these funds will be subject to recapture,” VanMatre said. “84 percent, 84 pennies on each dollar of debt will be funded by our refineries.”

Gomez Arriaga said she hopes the investment will benefit students for generations to come.

“Our children are here for all these hours during the day. Wouldn’t we want them to be as safe here as they are in our own homes,” she said.

Early voting runs through April 28 at the Tuloso-Midway ISD Administration Building. Election Day is May 2. District leaders say early voting will not take place on April 21.