Bond election may improve school district, raise taxes
Written by Phil Cerroni
By Amanda Casanova
Coppell voters will have a chance in May to decide on whether to support a $79.5 million bond package for improvements to the school district. The Coppell Independent School District voted at meetings on Feb. 25 to set a single proposition for voters.
“It’s a lot of money, but it’s an investment in our futures and our students and in this community that we love,” David Apple, vice president for the school board, said. “I feel very confident in this community supporting this and I think it’s going to pass.”
Within the package is a proposal for $27 million in renovations to Coppell High School, such as expanding the school’s gym and the athletic field house.
The second largest part of the package is the construction of a $21 million two-story elementary school. The school will be the district’s first Net-Zero school, an energy producing facility, and will feature a rain collection system and rooftop butterfly garden.
Coppell’s proposed 10th elementary school will be located around North Lake north of Interstate 635.
If voters approve the bond, the average homeowner will see a $159 annual hike in taxes, according to Sid Grant, Coppell ISD assistant superintendent.
Early voting on the bond package begins April 29 and Election Day is May 11.
“It is needed,” Anthony Hill, board president, said. “Additional space is needed. This is not something that is above and beyond. Those facilities have been stretched beyond their capacities, but the students and staff go out and do a great job with them and we appreciate that.”
The last bond election was in 2009 for $55.9 million in remodeling, safety upgrades and technology improvements.
