A sign asking voters to approve a $600 million bond package and a tax rate increase for the San Antonio Independent School District is displayed near Thomas Jefferson High School. Bond and tax rate propositions before voters address distinct needs. We can honor the generations these schools have served while recognizing the needs of those still to come, our guest columnists write.
Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News
For us, SAISD isn’t simply a school district. It’s our community.
One of us grew up in the San Antonio Independent School District community, where her family operated a Mexican American restaurant beginning in 1975, and later served the area as a City Council member. The other lives and works within the district and serves on the SAISD Foundation board of directors. We believe deeply in the potential of our students and the future of our community.
Article continues below this ad
We also know our public schools are being asked to do more with less.
For years, Texas has failed to adequately fund public education, leaving school districts across our city and state facing difficult decisions. As the district serving the heart of San Antonio’s urban core, SAISD faces the added challenge of maintaining aging and historic campuses that have served generations of families.
These schools are more than buildings. They’re neighborhood anchors where generations have learned, grown and built lasting connections. Yet stretched budgets, aging facilities and painful school closures have become realities for far too many students and educators.
Through the SAISD Foundation, we’ve seen firsthand how our community works to fill funding gaps. From mobile STEM and literacy programs to mariachi, folklórico, college visits, classroom supplies and support for new teachers, these efforts create opportunities students and educators deserve.
Article continues below this ad
Yet every year, the foundation must make difficult decisions about what it can afford, what to prioritize and which needs will go unmet.
Philanthropy makes a difference, but it cannot replace sustained public investment.
The tax rate and bond propositions before voters address distinct needs.
Proposition A would provide additional annual funding for college and career readiness, teacher preparation and an initial staff compensation supplement. Proposition B includes facility improvements at 48 identified schools and safety upgrades at 59 schools. Proposition C focuses on technology and cybersecurity across the district, while Proposition D addresses aging infrastructure at Alamo Stadium and the Convocation Center.
Article continues below this ad
We recognize the concerns surrounding SAISD’s proposals, particularly questions about transparency, accountability and the district’s recent rightsizing decisions. Those concerns are legitimate, and families and taxpayers deserve answers.
School closures have been painful for neighborhoods and families. Districts across San Antonio, Texas and the nation are grappling with declining enrollment, rising costs and difficult decisions.
The challenges of today should not stand in the way of opportunities for tomorrow’s students.
SAISD reports completing more than 100 projects through its 2020 bond. That progress matters, but so do the outstanding questions about spending, project priorities and oversight. Community engagement cannot end after an election. The district must communicate clearly, demonstrate accountability for taxpayer dollars and rebuild trust through meaningful action.
Article continues below this ad
Accountability and investment are not mutually exclusive. We can and should demand both.
The children sitting in SAISD classrooms today are San Antonio’s future workforce, entrepreneurs, educators and leaders. Their success is not simply a district responsibility, it’s a community responsibility.
We can honor the generations these schools have served while recognizing the needs of those still to come. We can hold our public institutions accountable while ensuring students have the resources and opportunities to succeed.
Article continues below this ad
Our students deserve more than the bare minimum, and our teachers deserve more than our gratitude.
Connie Gonzalez lives and works within SAISD and serves on the SAISD Foundation board of directors. Jennifer Ramos grew up in the SAISD community, is a former San Antonio District 3 council member and serves as co-chair of the SAISD PAC. They write in their individual capacities.