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Bond election covers existing AHISD schools PDF Print E-mail
Written by Edmond Ortiz - Editor/North Central News   
Alamo Heights Independent School District voters will not only consider electing two school board members May 8, they will determine the fate of a $44 million bond issue to meet needs at existing facilities.

The school board unanimously approved calling the special election Jan. 21. In an interview prior to the regular board meeting, Superintendent Kevin Brown described the single proposal as a “nuts-and-bolts bond that addresses basic needs.” (read more).
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written by Common Sense , February 07, 2010
After working through the AHISD website, I found one interesting fact.

The AHISD is planning on 6 million + for debt service in the 2010 budget. And this is BEFORE the 44 Mil bond.

I also checked back in history to see what we have done in the last 12 years.
1998 - $22,000,000 ( Million)
2000 - $ 7,500,000
2005 - $47,900,000 (again Million!)
2010 - proposed $44,000,000 (Million!!!!)

This is $121,400,000 million in 12 years for about 4700 students. We will have spent an additional $25,829 per student over ans above what we pay in taxes.

How much is too much?
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written by Jumping Jack , February 05, 2010
If I understand the article and the agenda of AHISD, we will be required to vote in two places. One location would be for District Board members and in Bexar County for the bond issue.

Why is the AHISD wasting their money paying for an election in Bexar County when they could have both votes taken in the same place? Could this be because they want some room between the Board members and the bond issue?
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written by Paul , February 04, 2010
How can anyone say they are voting yes or no yet when there is NO details to the bond issue. Come on AHISD step it up, we're talking about real money here.
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written by TaxpayerVoter , February 04, 2010
As a grandparent, i don't appreciate the aspersion cast on seniors. Some may vote no based on their pocketbook but most of us may be old but we are not fools. We vote based on information. For that matter we are smarter than most if for no other reason than the fact of living through more. My opinion is we probably are more educated as well. We didn't suffer 'politicaly correct' educations.
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written by Common Sense , February 04, 2010
I seriously doubt I have enough friends to account for the votes I'm getting. I think people are skeptical of the need for the size of the bond that the school is shooting for. I certainly am and find the lack of information forthcoming to be a serious problem.
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written by Lebowski , February 04, 2010
Fred,

No, I hadn't noticed that until you pointed it out. I suppose if I had enough interest to stop on this site each day and vote for myself or my friends, I could appear popular, too.

As for the school bond issue, I'll be voting yes. I really could care less about better digs for our councilmen (masquerading as police station improvements), but I have no problem supporting schools. The only people who vote against school bonds are old people who happily take their senior tax freezes and screw their grandchildren's world.
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written by Fred , February 03, 2010
Lebowski, have you noticed the number of + votes for Common Sense? Watch out CS may be the next mayor, if he is old enough to run.
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written by Administrator , February 02, 2010
I'm trying to find more information about this bond issue. The AHISD tweeted that we could get more information at their site, but I'm not able to find it. I put a request in to see if they could give us anything to post online. Stay tuned.
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written by SAR , February 01, 2010
Watching this exchange has been interesting.

BUD is right, we should all be informed votes.

I don't think that BUD cares how many people agree with him and he doesn't find the need to make up new names for posters to inflate/ camouflage his position. You don't have to be clever or disingenuous when you can be honest and forthright - as I think BUD has been. He says what what he means and means what he says.
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written by Lebowski , February 01, 2010
"So know the candidates and vote."

Obviously. My comment on taxation stands regardless of your attempt at wisdom. One thing I've notice on this board; you appear to have only one or two people bobbing their heads in agreement with you. Are you not clever enough to make up more imaginary sycophants?
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written by BUD , January 30, 2010
So know the candidates and VOTE!
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written by Lebowski , January 30, 2010
Taxation with representation sucks, too.
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written by TaxpayerVoter , January 30, 2010
Taxatio without Representation started a revoution. How quickly we forget.
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written by Paul , January 30, 2010
It's interesting...this is a much bigger bond issue than last and yet it is flying under the radar. Is AHISD going to put out more info for the taxpayers soon?
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written by Common Sense , January 29, 2010
I somehow doubt that they really want to many details to come about the bond issue. All the details I have gotten to date came from the newspaper.
If I don't see any more than what was published and much better reasons ( say education for example!) for the expenditure, I will vote no.
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written by Paul , January 29, 2010
Nothing on the ahisd site about the bond proposal, hopefully we can learn more about this.
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written by TaxpayerVoter , January 28, 2010
My guess is if the money is in bond side of budget, it frees money on operating side. That side of budget is taxed a la Robin Hood at 50%. You make really good points and asked good questions. Thanks. I hope we get answers.
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written by Common Sense , January 28, 2010
I have a couple of questions and comments.

Questions:
1. How long is this bond?
2. How much debt service to we have remaining on the 1998, 2000 and 2005 bonds?
3. Why are we using bonds to purchase items with a 5 year life ( computers?)
4. Why are computers retired on a routine replacement basis and oart of the yearly budget?
5. Why does the high school need more parking when virtually all of Vanderhoven parking is empty? Even the tennis court parking lot has open spaces.
6. Why is the AHISD accepting money from Woodridge parents for computers when they have included it in the bond? Shouldn't that be allocated elsewhere?
7. While commendable to go with solar power, it is very expensive to retrofit facilites. Skylights and opening the windows for ventilation would be more cost efficient.
7. They are hoping for a CPS grant for the solar install but what happens if they don't get it? They will have incurred the debt in advance without any benefit if the grant does not come through. We would be paying interest on money we don't need.

I believe bonds should be used for large capitol improvements with a long term life such as buildings and buses and only if we saw a large increase in enrollment. I don't see where any of these items apply to education. I see a lot of fluff here and a way to borrow money to cover a budget they think may be cut by the State.

Why would we want to pay interest on borrowed money in this economy to stave off budget cuts?
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written by Paul , January 27, 2010
Seems to be more than "basic needs."
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