EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso Independent School District is weighing a bond proposal worth just over $445 million that district leaders say would not require a tax increase, as officials continue to discuss long-term campus and infrastructure needs.

The district created a Citizens Bond Steering Committee in February and tasked the group with reviewing what the district may need over time and prioritizing those needs. The committee voted on June 11 on its priorities, creating a long-range master plan with more than $1 billion in possible needs. The largest areas include districtwide renovations at about $469.4 million, athletic updates at $170.7 million, and swamp cooler systems at about $93.8 million.

On Tuesday, during an EPISD meeting, the district said it would want to move forward with a smaller bond package that does not include a tax increase.

The proposal totals just over $445 million and would include fixing HVAC systems for all schools, along with addressing safety, transportation, and other maintenance needs.

Deputy Superintendent David Bates, the district’s interim chief financial officer, said public outreach will be key if the proposal advances.

“The transparency part is so important. I look at the crisis we went through, and I look at how we handled it. We were transparent about it, and we’re doing something about it. Right. I think that’s to our benefit. I think that shows you can’t trust us now, but boy, it sure looks like we can in the future,” Bates said.

The bond discussion comes as EPISD remains under financial exigency and has moved forward with job cuts to address its budget.

Previously speaking to KFOX14/CBS4, Bates said the district is trying to move forward while recognizing it must earn the community’s trust.

“We’re rewriting the ship, we’re heading to financial prosperity. We’re doing all of these things. I can only say, trust me in time, right. I have to show you,” Bates said.

EPISD’s last major bond was approved by voters in 2016, when the district received a $668 million bond to modernize and right-size its campuses.

While the proposal remains in the early stages, the Citizens Bond Steering Committee is expected to recommend that the school board call for a bond election at a meeting in August.

RECOMMENDED: EPISD identifies more than $1B in long-term needs as possible bond talks continue

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