AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Voters across Central Texas gave their approval Tuesday to a number of bond projects, funneling billions of dollars into local school districts.
The largest proposal by far was Austin ISD, which sought voter approval for $2.44 billion in projects - the largest package in the district's history. Voters overwhelmingly approved the district's Propositions A and B with more than 72 percent of the vote, and passed Proposition C by a much smaller margin of 58 percent.
The funds will go towards full or partial updates at 25 of the district's campuses, along with $75 million in technology improvements and $47 million in upgrades to the district's athletic facilities.
District officials say the projects will translate into savings on its annual operating costs - about 30% of its annual utility costs, and about $18 million in anticipated repairs.
In Lake Travis ISD, voters narrowly approved two of three bond propositions. Proposition A called for $548 million in school facilities, land purchases, and school buses, while Proposition B called for $60 million in technology upgrades. Voters overwhelmingly rejected Proposition C, which would have provided $93 million for school stadium facilities.
One of the projects included is a second high school for the district, which is expected to open in the fall of 2027.
Voters across Central Texas also gave their approval to a $770 million bond proposal from Austin Community College, with roughly 70 percent voting in favor. ACC officials say the bonds will fund projects across the district, increasing training capacity for high-demand fields including health care and advanced manufacturing.
In Dripping Springs, voters narrowly defeated $481 million in improvements, including a new elementary school, a new high school, improvements to existing campuses, and technology upgrades.
