College Station ISD bond advocates and critics speak up ahead of election

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Next month, voters in College Station will cast their ballots on two athletics bonds proposed by College Station ISD.

The bonds total $53 million and cover various repairs and renovations to athletics facilities at A&M Consolidated High School and College Station High School. They’re the only item set for the ballot in Brazos County.

It’s the third time these athletics bonds have been presented to voters, who rejected the proposals twice, including last November. While some residents and the district’s bond steering committee support their passage, others are speaking out against the bonds.

One of those vocal residents is Nic LoGalbo, who feels like the district is ignoring the taxpayers’ decision. He’s among those who voted ‘no’ on the bonds in November, and he intends to vote ‘no’ in May.

LoGalbo says he values athletics and was a student-athlete himself, but says he values investing in academics more. He doesn’t believe the district is prioritizing its funds in a way that addresses larger issues, such as filling vacant positions in schools.

“I’m not against athletics. I am against bad fiscal management. I am against imprudent spending on things that are not priority, and that’s really where my concern is,” he said.

In Texas, bonds like the ones College Station ISD proposed are the only way for school districts to raise major funds for projects, such as renovating facilities. Teacher salaries and other operations costs are covered by a separate part of the tax rate.

Still, as the bonds return to the ballot again, voters like LoGalbo are frustrated.

“We just voted that down this past November, so it’s not even six months and they’re bringing it back to a vote already,” he added.

LoGalbo says he’s concerned about a lack of outreach and opportunities for voters to ask questions. A spokesperson from the district said answers to bond-related questions, such as tax implications and project breakdowns, can be found on the district’s website.

“If they come with a very good selling point, defend that selling point. Open the talk to your taxpayers and sell it,” LoGalbo said.

Two district committees, Bond Planning and Long Range Facilities, helped develop the bond proposals. Rick Bennett is a member of both, and part of Vote for CSISD, a PAC advocating for the bond to pass.

“The committee determined it was time to put these back out because the longer we wait, the more these things cost down the road,” Bennett said.

Those committees asked to bring the bond propositions back to voters quickly. Bennett said that improving athletics offers academic benefits for students.

“We’re pro anything that gets a kid up in the morning, gets them excited to go to school,” he said.

Early voting for the bond election starts on Apr. 22. Election day is May 4.