On April 2, the Houston R-1 School District is asking our community to consider a $3 million no-levy-increase bond issue titled “Proposition Track & Field.” It’s our desire that our constituents are well-informed with the project and its scope when their ballots are cast. With that in mind, I’d like to briefly share with you a few highlights as well as commonly asked questions about the proposed bond.
Will taxes be raised if the bond passes? Will they lower if it’s defeated? In short, no. Regardless of the outcome of the election, taxes will remain unchanged until 2039. If passed by 4/7 majority, the bond issue would not require the district to increase tax rates beyond what you are currently paying. Instead, the current rate would extend from 2039 to 2044. It should be noted that your property’s assessed valuation and your taxes from other local jurisdictions could affect your personal tax bill.
Why not a different project on campus?
While the track and field has been a conversation for many years, this selection process ramped up with the partnership of Dake Wells Architecture firm during the 2022-2023 school year and establishing a local facilities committee that was made up of many different school and community stakeholders. These groups worked together to brainstorm, create a project list and consider costs. Initially, the group established a needs list of approximately 20 facility projects around campus that was narrowed to six and presented to the community for feedback. The track was ultimately selected as the top priority for an April 2024 ballot measure by a considerable margin.
Will the track be open to the community?
Absolutely. For decades, the track was a hub of activity for walkers and runners of all ages in our town. If the bond passes, we envision this type of activity to resume. As part of the planned improvements for the track, our goal is to install walking lights that can be accessed by any community member to utilize the track during early morning or late night walks or runs. We’d also enjoy seeing the return of community events of the past, such as Relay For Life, as well as new events like the walk-a-thon for the Senior Center.
Has the district selected a company to do the work?
Yes. On Friday, March 22, the Board of Education convened in special session to hear proposals regarding Proposition Track & Field. The board unanimously approved GeoSurfaces’ proposal contingent on the successful passing of the ballot measure on April 2, and approved superintendent contract negotiations. Read more about the Louisiana-based company at www.geosurfaces.com.
What will be the cost of the project?
The initial proposal presented by GeoSurfaces Inc. on March 22, included the following tiered pricing information:
Base Bid Price: $1,769,000
Track & Field (8 Lane 400 meter), LED Sports Lighting
(Underground Electric), Demo, Mass Grading, Field Drainage, Redi Rock Retaining Walls, Sod Inside Track, Irrigation, Field Events
Alternate No. 1: $770,000
Synthetic Turf System
Alternate Options: Outside Curb Around Track ($59,000), Upgraded Lighting ($27,500), 4’ Black Vinyl Fencing Around Track ($88,400), Shock
Pad // GeoFlo +15 mm ($75,000), Soil Stabilization // Code L
($135,28), Soil Stabilization // Cement ($152,199)
How many companies submitted a proposal for the project?
The district was engaged in detailed conversations with four companies. Two of those companies, Byrne & Jones Sports Construction and GeoSurfaces Inc., submitted proposals. Two others, ATG Sports and Fisher Tracks, ultimately did not.
Why include a turf field with the track?
The extensive dirt work required to expand the current footprint of the track to make it regulation length and eight lanes will require the current football field to shift, whether it remains grass or becomes turf. The underground watering system would need to be moved and the field would need to be recrowned and sodded. While considering those necessary changes as well as time and costs associated with upkeep of a grass field for staff and volunteers, the Board of Education elected to consider a turf field pending final cost estimates of the track.
Are turf fields dangerous?
Safety campus-wide, including our athletic teams, is a top priority. We have worked diligently as a district to research turf fields with companies that install them as well as high schools who utilize them. Of the 54 teams in the Southwest Missouri Football Coaches Association who play 11-man football, 32 of those have turf fields. We did not receive negative feedback from any of the head coaches who responded to our inquiry about their experience with their turf field. The consensus among those who responded was that there has not been an increase in injuries in their players and that the turf has
been a benefit to multiple school and community programs who utilize the all-weather surface.
Will the facility be protected from future vandalism?
Recent vandalism on our current football field may cause some concerns about investing in a new track and field that could see the same type of destruction. While there is no way to completely eliminate all vandalism at any campus building or facility, there will be many safeguards in place, including fencing and cameras, to discourage and hopefully reduce any unfortunate actions of vandalism.
What if I still have questions?
We’ve created a special page on the district website to read more details about Proposition Track & Field, including more Q&As and the exact bond language. Please visit www.houston.k12.mo.us and click the link at the top of the homepage to access the information.