Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (LCISD), the local school district where Texas Center for Family Rights is located, is proposing a $142,415,000 school bond. Whether or not you live in this district the issues may arise in your district.

        Would you please give me your immediate feedback?

        Two weeks ago I was asked to join the Richmond-Rosenberg Chamber of Commerce Education Task Force Committee. Last week we met with Dr. Thomas Randall, Superintendent of LCISD. Our Committee may make its recommendation to support or oppose even this week.

        According to the LCISD website this bond issue includes:
                Operations (including new buses, a new printing  press, phone system and video surveillance) $ 5,444,000
                Career and Technology (including agricultural facilities,  dust collection system, modular computer labs,                          equipment and furniture needs $ 1,043,796
                Musical Instruments $ 1,126,475
                Technology Needs (Mobile keyboarding cars,distance learning  for elementary schools, finance and student                         system upgrades,  generator and UPS backup, file and application servers,  network management tools
          $ 1,951,000

                SUBTOTAL $ 9,565,271
                Capital items including new facilities, additions.  And renovations, land acquisitions, and sprinkler  systems for all                 renovated schools $ 132,849,729

                TOTAL $ 142,415,000


        While the school district has statutory authority to include new school buses and equipment of school buildings in the district, is there wisdom is committing funds from a twenty year bond for these items? Does "equipment for school buildings" include musical instruments? Do you want bond money to be spent in these ways?

        Yes, the school district may have been financially strapped in recent years. But where are funds being used? Social workers employed in the school? Police patrolling the hallways?

        Let me know what you think, pro or con, so that Texas Center for Family Rights can represent your concerns. You can find other information related to this bond at the website for the school district.

Respectfully,
Peter Johnston
President