If voters believe in San Antonio\u2019s future, they should vote in support of\u00a0Northside Independent School District\u2019s proposed bond, as well as a modest tax increase.<\/p>\n
Northside ISD serves some 97,000 students. They will grow up to be doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, artists, athletes, plumbers and electricians, and to serve in countless other professions. The students of today will very quickly become the adults shaping San Antonio\u2019s tomorrow. They merit our support, even if it takes a tax increase. We encourage voters to cast ballots \u201cfor\u201d each Northside ISD proposition.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s briefly break them down:<\/p>\n
Proposition A: The 3-cent tax rate increase. District officials say it will generate about $45.5 million and be used to cover 2% pay increases and help close a budget deficit. Teachers deserve raises, and perhaps this tax rate increase can help avoid school closures.<\/p>\n
Proposition B: The first, and largest, of three bond propositions, which are separate from the proposed tax rate increase. This bond would dedicate $764.7 million to a number of renovations and upgrades. These include $32 million for secure lobbies at 22 middle school and high school campuses, $17.5 million in fencing upgrades, $43 million in chiller replacements, $43 million for new buses, and multiple replacements for gyms, cafeterias and fine arts facilities.<\/p>\n
Proposition C: Would dedicate $56 million for classroom, teacher and student technology upgrades.<\/p>\n