By Scott Harvey
Bonham – The Bonham School Board Monday called for a $40 million bond election Nov. 3 to update several district facilities.
If approved, the district hopes to attach the 5th and 6th grade to the existing L.H. Rather campus, move 4th grade to Finley-Oats by constructing a new wing, as well as a new gym at Finley-Oats. New core facilities have also been discussed for Bonham High School such as a new front entrance, office space, cafeteria, media center, gym and science labs.
For a $50,000 home, the increased tax to cover the bond payment will be $148.75 annually or $12.40 per month.
For homeowners 65 years and older who have applied for their taxes to be frozen, this bond cannot increase their school tax bill.
The needs for facility improvement were determined by the BISD Board of Trustees and a community facility focus committee that began meeting in January.
A complete breakdown of improvements are as follows:
Additions to L.H. Rather Junior High:
- 5th and 6th grade classrooms and science labs
- cafeteria
- media center
- office space
- band/choir
- art
- life skills
- gym/athletic dressing
- renovation work to other areas
Additions to Finley-Oates Elementary:
- 4th grade classrooms and science labs
- Gymnasium
- bilingual classrooms
- music classroom
- renovation work to other areas
Additions to Bonham High School:
- new entrance
- office space
- media center
- science labs
- gymnasium/athletic dressing
- cafeteria
- renovation work to other areas
Community forum meetings to discuss the bond proposal have been scheduled for the following:
- 6 p.m. on Monday September 21 at the Finley-Oates Elementary cafeteria
- 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28 at the I.W. Evans cafeteria
- 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at the L.H. Rather gymnasium
- 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2009 at the Bonham High cafeteria
For more information contact Sonny Cruse, Superintendent-Bonham ISD at 903-583-5526 ext 1100 or sonny.cruse@bonhamisd.org.