District committee examines potential bond options
The BISD Bond Steering Committee composed of Superintendent Gary Bitzkie, CFO Michael Neuman, Director Dale Heiner, parent Ron Gherman, parent Tony Battle, and community member Russell Hevenor called together about 30 members of the community to meet and discuss possible bond options for the near future.
A series of four meetings will bring together diverse members of the community with an eye toward possibly calling for a bond issue in late spring.
The last bond issue for BISD was passed in 2002. That bond built a new middle school, increased the size of the high school, remodeled parts of Hill Country Elementary, and added a fifth grade wing onto Alkek Elementary.
After all the committee members introduced themselves, Superintendent Gary Bitkie detailed the committee’s purpose to be a voice for the community, ask questions, provide feedback and provide a community recommendation to support a direction forward.
Advisory Committee members were encouraged to ask questions and discuss information presented.
Ron Gherman remarked this was an opportunity for the public to come together to “create something unique.”
Superintendent Bizkie gave a brief “state of the district” presentation to set the stage for further discussion of the district’s educational needs.
He emphasized the district has no “preconceived notions” about what a bond priority is. He said that the Steering Committee is looking for a recommendation from the Advisory Committee as to whether the district should pursue a bond and what projects should be included.
Bitzkie also emphasized any bond goal should support the BISD Core Values created just two years ago.
Although many safety precautions have been implemented, Bitzkie is concerned more should be done to secure the campuses. He estimated the cost of placing law enforcement on each campus could top $500,000. All of the campuses are fenced. A particular area of concern, though, was Bandera High School, which has numerous buildings and outdoor areas.
Chief Financial Officer Michael Neuman showed the group comparisons of tax rates with surrounding counties. Bandera ISD charges the least among a group of 10 neighboring districts. Bandera ISD’s tax rate for 2022 is 0.9784 cents per hundred.
He also reviewed market research that indicates a healthy growth rate in retirement-aged residents. Bitzkie referenced a demographic study done recently to support the small growth in overall population and said Bandera is becoming a retirement community.
Bond strategist Kimberly Bow from Stantec spoke about her experiences helping school districts navigate bond elections.
She shared information on the two types of monies that school districts must use – M&O (Maintenance and Operations) and &S (Interest and Sinking).
She spoke about what issues drive the need for a bond like aging facilities, changing demographics, new instructional programs, regulatory mandates, and reduced funding. She also spoke about the regulatory requirements school districts must follow should they choose to call a bond issue.
Bow also explained the activities needed to call a bond before the public. She identified data/planning, reaching agreement/ consensus and finally communicating the need in a campaign as vital parts of a bond election. She also identified the two types of bond campaigns, information, and persuasive.
Bow also commented that school municipal bonds are very desirable products. CFO Michael Neuman stated that Bandera’s bond status was triple A rated.
The Advisory Committee was given time to ask questions at the end of the lengthy meeting. The next meeting of the Advisory Committee will be on October 26.
After a brief recap of Meeting 1, the Advisory Committee will review a facilities assessment summary, construction cost outlook, bond legislature and recent elections and will participate in campus tours.