Mt. Vernon ISD Board of Trustees voted on February 17 to propose two separate bond propositions for the May 6 election. The two propositions are almost identical to the bond presented to voters in May 2022, with minor additions. Proposition A would allow for a new Vocational Agriculture building, a new Fine Arts building, a new High School Cafeteria, a new Media Center, a new office complex and entrance for the Middle School, renovations to the auditorium, renovations to the Middle School Cafeteria, renovated office complexes for the High School and the administration building, and upgrades to HVAC in the new and renovated areas. Each of these new additions and renovated areas would enhance the safety of both campuses by enclosing the open walkway areas that are currently accessible to the public.

The total for Proposition A is $47.7 million.

In 2021 when the facility task force met, the safety of the campuses and the age of the buildings were specific things that were considered when making a recommendation to the board of trustees. The current Vo Ag building was constructed in 1978.

The new Vo Ag building would provide new classroom space, shop space and equipment, bathrooms, dressing rooms, and more space to accommodate the growth of the Vo Ag department.

The current middle school campus was originally built in 1966 and was added on in 1978 and 1993. At the time of both additions, the buildings contained two different campuses — the intermediate and the junior high.

Now, it is one campus with four different grades in two different buildings. The new middle school office complex and entrance would provide a single point of entry for staff, students, and parents and enclose the north end of the campus that is currently open and accessible to the public.

The current band hall was built in 1973 and had an addition added in 2010.

The new fine arts building would provide a larger space for the increasing numbers our band program is experiencing and additional practice rooms that would be utilized daily.

The Fine Arts building would also house a new practice room for the MVHS Drama Department as well as a new space for the Art Department.

The current High School cafeteria was built in 2008 but was only a dining hall without a kitchen to prepare meals. Meals are prepared in the middle school cafeteria and carted to the high school to serve.

The current dining hall would be used for the new Media Center or additional classrooms.

The current administration building was built in 1966 as classrooms and added on to in 1978 when it was made into the administration building.

By building the new Vo Ag facility, the new Middle School office complex and entrance, the new Fine Arts building, the new High School Cafeteria, and renovating the administration building, all open space entrances would now be secured.

Proposition B would allow for the construction of both new Baseball and Softball fields that would have synthetic turf playing surfaces, the construction of 4 new tennis courts, putting a new synthetic playing surface on the football field, the building of new home stands and press box on the current visitor’s side of the field, and construction of new concession and restrooms. Proposition B is for $16.2 million.

The facility task force also took into consideration the age and safety of the current athletic facilities.

All three fields and the tennis courts were constructed during the 1970s, with some renovations and additions done over the years.

The construction of the new baseball and softball fields would allow for more secure access to both fields, a common concession and restroom facility, and playing surfaces that would allow both teams to play even on the day it rains.

The upgrades to the football field would allow the home fans to sit with the sun to their backs, provide updated concession areas and restrooms, and allow for the removal of the temporary stands provided by the county currently being utilized. The addition of the synthetic playing surface would provide a consistent playing surface that would also be used by our band program as they prepare for marching contests and allow the addition of both UIL boys’ and girls’ soccer programs. The current tennis courts only have two courts. The new tennis facility would have four courts.

Some of you reading this may be asking, “What if I’m 65-years old or older and receive the “Over 65 homestead exemption” and my home values go up?

Would my school district taxes go up?” Current homeowners ages 65 and over will not be impacted by the passage of this bond. Their school taxes will not go above the frozen levy amount/ceiling established when the Over-65 exemption was granted (unless improvements or additions are made to the residence).

To have your school taxes frozen, you must file a homestead application with the appropriate appraisal district and be granted the Over-65 exemption.

From the desk of Dr. Jason McCullough MVISD Superintendent