Patrons of the Houston R-1 School District will vote April 7 on a $2.95 million bond issue that features several campus updates, highlighted by a new eight-lane track.
Proposition K.I.D.S. — Keep Improving District Schools — would replace the district’s dilapidated track, pay off debt and make minor improvements to two facilities. It requires four-sevenths majority approval.
What does the project entail?
The centerpiece of the bond is the track. It was approved in November as a minimum of six lanes with support given to Dr. Justin Copley, superintendent, from the board of education to negotiate with project manager GeoSurfaces to pursue eight lanes within the budget. Copley successfully presented an eight-lane track to the board in January at a cost of $1,993,000.
Unlike the $3 million bond issue in 2024, which received majority approval but fell just short of the 57.1% requirement, the football field will remain natural grass instead of turf. The project includes an eight-lane rubber track, lighting, fencing and soil stabilization on the east side of the property.
Copley said the track will be open to the public for running and walking. He said he desires for events such as Relay For Life and the Houston Senior Center walk-a-thon to be hosted on the track.
The 2026 bond also includes other campus projects. The remaining about $1 million will be used to pay off lease financing of the Piney River Technical Center (PRTC) and Houston Alternative Learning Opportunities (H.A.L.O.) buildings as well as renovate the middle school gymnasium and exterior of the fine arts building. Here are the details:
- $615,000 will fully pay off the existing lease financing.
- $60,000 will add siding to the fine arts building for protection, appearance and energy efficiency.
- $40,000 will add step handrails, wall and ceiling painting and stucco repair in the gym. Subject to available funding, the front row of bleachers may be removed or modified, acoustic sound solutions added and the floor refinished.
What is the tax impact?
The bond issue would not increase voter taxes. Instead, it would extend the district’s general obligation debt from 2039 to 2046. It is currently set to be paid off March 1, 2039.
The district said it is not leveraging its full bonding capacity, which is $7.4M.
The payoff date was calculated by the district assuming an annual growth in assessed valuation of 1.50%. If it is higher, the district said the seven-year extension could be shortened by making prepayments and/or refinancing. Since 2007, the district said it has saved taxpayers $736,312 with one refinancing and nine prepayments of bond debt.
The district said paying off the PRTC and H.A.L.O. buildings — purchased for $845,000 in 2021 — would free approximately $130,000 per year of operating money that can be used for educational programs and operational expenses. LJ Hart & Company told the district the restructuring from a lease to bond payment is “essentially a wash in interest expense” while better aligning its financial obligations to preserve operating funds for classroom needs.
What is the history of the track project?
The district has sought several solutions to replace the track, which has not been used competitively in decades.
In the spring of 2024, the district proposed a $3 million bond issue for a track and artificial turf football field that received majority support (54.84 percent) but failed to reach the 57.14 percent threshold to pass. The following year, a $1.5 million state appropriation solely for the track received approval from the Missouri General Assembly but was vetoed in late June by Gov. Mike Kehoe.
In 2021, the district received the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant for a six-lane track but declined due to a desire to pursue eight lanes to be eligible to host large meets, including postseason events, and create local revenue opportunities. Applications were later unsuccessfully submitted in 2022, 23 and 24.
In conjunction with a successful bond, the district has again applied for the grant to be utilized for concrete work on the south end of the track as well as the gravel area between the bleachers and concession stand.
“We’re pivoting,” Copley said in October. “Previous grant submissions were for the track. This time, we are looking to enhance the track.”
The 50/50 grant will only be accepted if the bond passes, Copley said.
How to vote
No-excuse absentee balloting for the April 7 election began March 17 at the Texas County clerk’s office.
Persons can vote from the third-floor office at the Texas County Administration Center on North Grand Avenue in Houston.
There is also an opportunity to vote from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, April 4.
On election day, voters can head to the Houston Storm Shelter polling location (191 N. 1st St.) from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. to cast a ballot.