SISD proposes $448.5 million bond for voter approval

The Socorro Independent School District is turning to voters to approve a $448.5 million dollar bond this November.

The proposed bond projects includes the reconstruction of Socorro High School estimated at $135 million.

Socorro High School was built more than 50 years ago.

“If we were to visit Socorro High School right now and then get on a bus and head out to Pebble Hills or Eastlake (high schools), it’s like night and day,” said SISD superintendent Dr. Jose Espinoza.

Dr. Espinoza said it’s time that the students and the community at Socorro High have the same facilities that the students have at the district’s newer campuses.

Some SISD high schools are not being left out, Montwood, El Dorado and Americas would also see improvements with an estimated cost of $95.8 million.

If the bond passes, SISD would also build two new elementary schools and one middle school, with an estimated price tag of $105.8 million.

One elementary and the middle school would be built to accommodate the Eastlake feeder pattern. The other elementary school would be built in the Pebble Hills feeder pattern area.

Dr. Espinoza said there is currently an overflow of about 1,300 students some of its campuses currently have an overflow of students forcing some of them to attend a campus further from their home.

“We’re a growing school district, we’re the destination district. People are moving to SISD because they want to bring their children into one of our schools,” Espinoza said.

Other proposed projects include $23.6 million for support services, $20.8 million for elementary multi-purpose rooms and $67.5 million for athletic improvements.

The last time taxpayers approved a bond for SISD was in 2011 for $297.4 million. SISD said projects were completed a year ahead of schedule and came in under budget.

If the bond is approved, it will add $0.106 per $100 valuation in 2017-18 or $8.83 per month on a home with a $100,000 taxable value.

Election day is November 7.