Early voting begins today

(Geronimo) — Navarro ISD voters today will have their first opportunity to weigh in on a proposed $65 million bond package.

The single-proposition bond election is aimed at addressing enrollment growth and facility needs across the district. Navarro ISD officials say the proposal would be completed with no increase to the district’s current tax rate.

According to Navarro ISD Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley, the bond package focuses on several areas across the district.

“It is for facilities reinvestment. That’s a roof and HVAC system at the current Navarro Elementary, as well as the current annex building. All of that will become the future early childhood center. It’s also got a junior high expansion. It’s additional classrooms and a cafetorium, as well as some refresh to the secondary gym, some drainage fencing, and renovation of the current cafetorium and kitchen. And then our transportation, which would be the last part of the proposition, which includes buses and secured parking expansion for the district fleet. And that is a total of $65 million, which is at a no tax rate increase,” said Epley.

The proposal is divided out with $5.4 million for facility reinvestment, $57.5 million for junior high expansion and growth-related projects, and $1.9 million for transportation.

Although Navarro ISD leaders say the proposal would not increase the district’s tax rate, Texas law still requires the ballot to include the phrase “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE” on all school bond elections. District officials say that language is required even when no tax rate increase is anticipated.

Navarro ISD officials say the district is expecting to add between 250 and 350 students each year over the next decade, making additional classroom space and facility upgrades necessary.

Epley says district leaders want voters to make their decision based on accurate information.

“Go to our website, it has a series of frequently asked questions where you can see if your question is there. And if it’s not, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re encouraging anyone that has a question that is not on the website to go ahead and reach out to us. We will not only answer it, but we’ll add that to our website so that we know the taxpayers have factual information. We don’t tell people how to vote. We just ask that you do vote and we want you to have information so that you feel like you are an informed taxpayer and you’re executing that right to vote,” said Epley.

Early voting begins today and runs through April 28, with Election Day set for May 2. There will not be early voting on Tuesday, April 21st due San Jacinto Day, a state holiday.