DISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to call for a $33.2 million bond election for Saturday, May 6, 2023. The decision was made at a called meeting, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. “It was after much thought and discussion that we decided that this is the best route for the district. Facilities Committee members looked at and considered many things before they made their presentation to the board detailing what they thought were our most important areas, especially those concerning the increase of safety and security,” DISD Board President Mrs. Nancy Pepper said. Calling for a bond election comes after several months of Facilities Committee meetings to determine the district facility priorities. “We formed this committee in the fall. We reached out to both our staff and the community so that everyone could have input,” Superintendent Dr. Todd Grandjean said. Two propositions will be on the ballot. All projects are recommended with the priority given to improving the safety and security of DISD campuses and students. Proposition A recommends projects at all four campuses and the special education building. High school projects encompass measures to increase security, which include moving the DHS office downstairs and remodeling the current space into classrooms. Also on the list are a new band hall, and converting the existing band hall into a black-box theater. (A black-box theater is a simple space, typically a square room with black walls and a flat floor that will be used as a classroom for theater classes.) Recommended projects at the middle school are an expansion of the boys and girls locker rooms, expanding the library, and a repurposing/remodeling of the cafeteria. At the intermediate school, a secure vestibule (entrance) is recommended to increase safety and security. Ciavarra Elementary recommended improvements include closing in all outdoor corridors, a new building that will include office space with a secure vestibule, early childhood center, including PreK and special education classrooms, a gym and dining area, and improvements to the drop-off and pick-up areas. The new facility will bring the youngest children much closer to the central campus. A total of $2.5 million of the bond is allocated to renovating/expanding or building a new special education building. The current space at the facility is too small to accommodate the current number of staff members, meeting rooms, etc. “After results of the bond election, we will determine the most cost-effective way to proceed with the special ed building,” Dr. Grandjean said. Bond election regulations require recreation facilities to be separate propositions; therefore, Proposition B recommends the addition of four new tennis courts, doubling what is in existence currently.
Devine ISD hired two teachers at this past week’s meeting, and also accepted some exciting grants. Renee Frieda moved and seconded by Chris Davis to approve hiring Kaelyn Campsey and Merritt Gensen as recommended by the Superintendent. Both will work on the Intermediate Campus. Renee Frieda also moved and was seconded by Keri James to authorize the superintendent to hire professional staff for the 2023-24 school year between April 18, 2023 and August 21, 2023 as presented. Carl Brown moved and seconded by Henry Moreno to Approve Devine Education Foundation Grants as presented. This includes two micro-grants–one is for $594.44 for art class to make Cultural Heritage Skateboards and the 2nd is for $1,042 to fund a field trip to HR Farms to study plants. There are also two innovative teaching grants totaling $8,754.88 which will be funded next school year. These grants have not been announced to the recipients yet, and will remain a surprise until the end of year ceremony.
Devine ISD bond elections divided into 2 propositions
DISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to call for a $33.2 million bond election for Saturday, May 6, 2023. The decision was made at a called meeting, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. “It was after much thought and discussion that we decided that this is the best route for the district. Facilities Committee members looked at and considered many things before they made their presentation to the board detailing what they thought were our most important areas, especially those concerning the increase of safety and security,” DISD Board President Mrs. Nancy Pepper said. Calling for a bond election comes after several months of Facilities Committee meetings to determine the district facility priorities. “We formed this committee in the fall. We reached out to both our staff and the community so that everyone could have input,” Superintendent Dr. Todd Grandjean said. Two propositions will be on the ballot. All projects are recommended with the priority given to improving the safety and security of DISD campuses and students. Proposition A recommends projects at all four campuses and the special education building. High school projects encompass measures to increase security, which include moving the DHS office downstairs and remodeling the current space into classrooms. Also on the list are a new band hall, and converting the existing band hall into a black-box theater. (A black-box theater is a simple space, typically a square room with black walls and a flat floor that will be used as a classroom for theater classes.) Recommended projects at the middle school are an expansion of the boys and girls locker rooms, expanding the library, and a repurposing/remodeling of the cafeteria. At the intermediate school, a secure vestibule (entrance) is recommended to increase safety and security. Ciavarra Elementary recommended improvements include closing in all outdoor corridors, a new building that will include office space with a secure vestibule, early childhood center, including PreK and special education classrooms, a gym and dining area, and improvements to the drop-off and pick-up areas. The new facility will bring the youngest children much closer to the central campus. A total of $2.5 million of the bond is allocated to renovating/expanding or building a new special education building. The current space at the facility is too small to accommodate the current number of staff members, meeting rooms, etc. “After results of the bond election, we will determine the most cost-effective way to proceed with the special ed building,” Dr. Grandjean said. Bond election regulations require recreation facilities to be separate propositions; therefore, Proposition B recommends the addition of four new tennis courts, doubling what is in existence currently. “We are planning to have discussions with all aspects of the community, citizens, clubs–everyone. We will do these in-person and also on a virtual platform,” Dr. Grandjean said. The current interest and sinking tax rate will not increase on the first $11.665 million of the bond. After that there will be a $0.1807 per $100 valuation tax rate increase to the interest and sinking rate. (Interest and sinking is the budget that pays for debt that has been incurred by prior bond sales. The maintenance and operating side includes all the day-to-day running of the district. Bonds can be sold for facilities, purchase of buses, technology.) That increase will bring the total DISD tax rate to $1.2753 per $100 valuation pending maintenance and operation tax rate compression at the end of the current legislative session. The following table assumes the Local Homestead Exemption of $40,000. Home Value Less Homestead Exemption Daily Increase Monthly Increase Yearly Increase $100,000 $60,000 $0.30 $9.04 $108.45 $150,000 $110,000 $0.54 $16.57 $198.82 $200,000 $160,000 $0.79 $24.10 $289.19 $250,000 $210,000 $1.04 $31.63 $379.56
Congratulations to the Devine High School girl’s golf team for making it to state! Pictured above left to right are Arabians Kaylee Romano, Brianna Schafer, Raynee Allen, Gabby Morales, and Kelsey Dishman. The exciting news came in right as we were going to press, so look for full story in next week’s Devine News. We are proud of you Arabians!Devine Tennis players Johnathon Gelinas and Kelsey Dishman are Regional Champs in Mixed Doubles. Now they are headed to STATE! Congrats and good luck!
Devine ISD Superintendent Dr. Todd Grandjeant will host the second meeting Thursday, April 20 at the DSAC auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m. “I want our community to be informed about the propositions in the bond, and to be able to have any concerns addressed,” Dr. Grandjean said. He will have a short presentation, and then attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. Dr. Grandjean will also conduct tours of all the campuses Monday, April 10. Those who would like to attend should meet in the DSAC parking lot at 6:30 p.m. A bus will be provided to take everyone to all the campuses. “After touring all campuses and having direct interaction with principals and teachers, it became apparent that our children need many things to happen as far as facilities are concerned in this district. I think we were very thoughtful in our process and were very cognizant of the costs of each project,” Misty Thompson, Facilities Committee, said. Early voting is April 24-28, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., April 29, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and May 1-2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Polling location for Medina County residents is the Precinct 4 Annex Building, 317 TX-132 N. For Frio County residents, early voting will take place at the Bigfoot Alternative Center, 13777 FM 472 in Bigfoot. Election Day is Saturday, May 6, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Polling locations are the same as in early voting.
Jerel Beaty Staff Writer Devine powerlifter Seth Deleon moved up from 12th place going into the State Meet to finish at number nine in the 148-pound division by the time it was said and done. DeLeon set personal records in the squat with 465 lbs and with his total lifted which is now 1,225lbs. Congratulations, Seth, on a fantastic junior season and Warhorse Nation is looking forward to what you can accomplish in 2024 as a senior! 148lb results (squat-bench-deadlift) 1st Jeremiah Metzgar-Sealy 510-345-545-1,400 2nd Jessiah Barr-Gonzales 520-330-510-1,360 3rd Weston Hill-Sanger 535-280-520-1,335 4th Javier Martinez-Perryton 500-335-485-1,320 5th Drew Carter-Salado 515-335-465-1,315 6th Noah Garcia-Somerset 525-370-380-1,275 7th Juan Garcia-Beeville Jones 460-310-500-1,270 8th PJ Brown-Alice 425-320-485-1,230 9th Seth DeLeon-Devine 465-320-440-1,225 10th Anthony Cuellar-Brownsboro-465-325-430-1,220 11th Anthony Lopez-Ferris 500-310-400-1,210 12th Chandler Tran-Snyder 470-285-450-1,205 13th Jasael Ruiz-Marble Falls 465-240-500-1,205 14th Rowdy Parker-Bridgeport 485-225-460-1,170 15th Demarion Sanders-Tyler Chapel Hill 380-275-510-1,165 BO Tristian Davila-Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway BO Roberto Suarez-Lumberton.
Devine ISD Superintendent Dr. Todd Grandjeant will host the first of two town hall meetings about the proposed bond Monday, April 3 at the DSAC auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m. He will host the second meeting Thursday, April 20 at the same location and time. “I want our community to be informed about the propositions in the bond, and to be able to have any concerns addressed,” Dr. Grandjean said. He will have a short presentation, and then attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. Dr. Grandjean will also conduct tours of all the campuses Monday, April 10. Those who would like to attend should meet in the DSAC parking lot at 6:30 p.m. A bus will be provided to take everyone to all the campuses. “After touring all campuses and having direct interaction with principals and teachers, it became apparent that our children need many things to happen as far as facilities are concerned in this district. I think we were very thoughtful in our process and were very cognizant of the costs of each project,” Misty Thompson, Facilities Committee, said. Early voting is April 24-28, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., April 29, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and May 1-2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Polling location for Medina County residents is the Precinct 4 Annex Building, 317 TX-132 N. For Frio County residents, early voting will take place at the Bigfoot Alternative Center, 13777 FM 472 in Bigfoot. Election Day is Saturday, May 6, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Polling locations are the same as in early voting. Complete video coverage of the public hearing is available at the Devine News’ YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/fmw2W0XsPsc
Dollars for Scholars president Bob Bendele, left, accepts a check for $2,994 from Devine ISD Superintendent Todd Grandjean as the district’s latest contribution to the foundation. Founded in 2009 by four 1950s era graduates of Devine High School, Dollars for Scholars invests the donations and uses the interest to fund scholarships for Devine High graduates seeking a post secondary education. More than $30,000 in scholarship have been awarded annually by the foundation since 2013. (Photo by Anton Riecher)
By Anton Riecher Devine ISD has been awarded $200,000 in state grant funds to be used for safety initiatives, district superintendent Todd Grandjean told the Devine school board Monday. He explained that assistant superintendent Daryl Wendel had submitted applications for two school safety grant programs “and we have actually been approved for one of the grants so far.” The other application is still in progress, Grandjean said. State officials approved the transfer of $105.5 million to support additional school safety and mental health initiatives through August 31, 2023. This additional funding will boost actions the State of Texas has already taken to make schools safer and support the mental health of children, teachers, and families following the tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. The money was transferred to state agencies and programs to enhance school safety and mental health services in Uvalde and throughout Texas. Campus administrators continue to work and train their staff using the Safe and Supportive Schools system. SSSP is a coordinated multi-tiered support system that addresses school climate with regard to social, emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns. Special programs director Abigail Beadle “is conducting grade level and departmental meetings at the secondary level the last few weeks to explore the impact of our curriculum instruction initiatives and our vision,” Grandjean said. A “secondary education walk” is scheduled for Tuesday, he said. “That’s where we take all the principals in the district and central administration and we walk them through elementary and intermediate,” Grandjean said. “We pop in and out of teachers’ classes so the other campuses get to see what is happening at the different grade levels.” The board met in executive session, and a motion was made by Carl Brown moved and seconded by Henry Moreno to approve extending administrator contracts as recommended by the superintendent. The motion passed, 7-0. The following contracts were extended for the 2023-24 school year: Jesse Hinojosa Mandy Cross Lysandra Reyes LeeAnn Runnels Jeffery Stivors Evan Eads Jodiann Dzierzanowski Michael Gomez Magdalena Strickland Abigail Beadle Kandi Darnell Valerie Dykstra Juan Gonzalez Shannon Ramirez Dawn Schneider Daryl Wendel James Sessions
Complete video coverage of the public hearing is available at the Devine News’ YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/fmw2W0XsPsc
City of Devine- Vote at City Hall Vote For or Against Bond Election- $18 Million for drainage and flood control Everyone can vote in the Bond election Everyone can vote in mayoral race. Mayor- Cory Thompson (i) and Butch Cook District 2 and 4 get to vote in their races as well Council Dist.2- Angela Pichardo (i) and Michael Hernandez Dist 4 – Debbie Randall
Devine ISD- Vote at County Building Vote For or Against Proposition A- 31.5 Million for Safety and Renovations of Schools, Band Hall Proposition B- 1.5 Million – for 4 New Tennis Courts
Medina County- Vote at County Building (across from Tractor Supply) Medina County ESD 2 (Devine Fire area)- add 1.25 % to sales tax Medina County ESD 5- (Natalia Fire area) add 1.25% to sales tax Medina County ESD 4- (EMS Devine/Natalia areas – add .50% to sales tax ESD4 overlaps both fire districts (2&5), since EMS can bill for services they are asking for only .25 from each district, so .25+.25= .5% sales tax *Note: 8.25% is the maximum any city or county in Texas can charge for sales tax. Medina County is at 6.75% currently, so that leaves 1.5% open.
Lyle ISD- cancelled election, no contested races City of Lytle- cancelled election- no contested races Natalia City/Schools- no elections LaCoste City- no elections
On the team roster are: Jeremiah Cardenas, Brian Custodio, Hunter Erwin, Christian Esparza, Nathan Fuentes, Tommy Hinkle, Ted Hinkle, Eli James, Curtis Kuykendall, Ashley Mattke, Felix Mendoza, David Rendon, Ace Sosa, and Trinity Spurgers.
For the #FRC9311 Warhorse Robotics Team, this is their rookie year, competing in the FIRST In Texas District Qualifiers for the International FRC robotics competition. “The heart that these kids have and how they work together (and sometimes apart) to achieve the best engineered robot is so impressive,” said one parent. Last week, DHS Robotics went to Waco, and never before having been to a FRC, Warhorse Robotics finished 23 out of 41 teams. This past weekend they were in Belton. Working hard and working with 2 other teams to win alliances and move forward, these young students adapted and moved up the ranks. Of 76 qualification rounds, the team played in 12 rounds. They placed in the top 8 teams. The team went into the finals as an alliance leader before getting knocked out in round 3 of the Finals. With 3 more weeks of District Qualifying events happening across the state, the Warhorse Robotics team is just waiting to see if their score lands them in the top 80 out of 247 teams in the state. If so, Devine will compete at the FIT District Championships in Houston April 5th through the 8th. They received the “Rookie Inspiration” Award at this event, celebrating the team’s outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as in their community. On the team roster are: Jeremiah Cardenas, Brian Custodio, Hunter Erwin, Christian Esparza, Nathan Fuentes, Tommy Hinkle, Ted Hinkle, Eli James, Curtis Kuykendall, Ashley Mattke, Felix Mendoza, David Rendon, Ace Sosa, and Trinity Spurgers. Coach Jim Wilcox stated, “I am so proud of the way these kids can ‘adapt and overcome’. It’s something I try to teach to all my students, and it is especially gratifying to see it play out in the real world. The experience these kiddos get competing at this level is priceless. They improved exponentially from Week 1 in Waco to Week 2 in Belton. In Waco we were just trying to survive, then in Belton we were straight up competing. It was awesome to witness.” “I’d like to give a special shout out to my young Freshman Programmer, Brian Custodio. He came to me often saying, ‘Mr. Wilcox, we have a problem,’ but with a little push, he ALWAYS figured out a solution to the problem. His perseverance is inspiring….I want to thank Mr. Gonzalez for giving us the push and backing to make this tremendous endeavor happen. I also need to thank HEB for their generous grant, Keely Construction for donating their services to build parts that the kids designed.” If there is anyone else out in the community who wants to donate to this unique, people-building experience Devine Robotics would love to partner with you. More about it…. We worked on the robot for 7 weeks, going from Idea, to Concept, Design, Prototype, then the Final Product. The Robot weighs in at 92 lbs. The Robot is comprised of a driving base and a vertical raise-and-lower arm assembly with a pneumatic end-effector used to pick up and place the air-filled cube and cone game pieces. There is a 15 second autonomous period at the beginning of every match where the robot must go score points without human controls. The remaining 135 seconds is the “tele-op” period, where the kids have to drive and operate the robot to get game pieces and score points. The kids have to be in an alliance with 2 other schools/teams for every match, so they have to strategize and cooperate. This type of gameplay is something that FIRST has coined “coopertition”.
By Anton Riecher
By a 6-0 vote the Devine ISD board of trustees voted Thursday (Feb. 16) to place a $31 million bond issue designated for “safety and security” improvements on the May election ballot.
On a motion by Chris Davis, seconded by board vice president Henry Moreno, the board approved two propositions for the May ballot. Both propositions would be supported by a tax increase if passed.
By Anton Riecher By a 6-0 vote the Devine ISD board of trustees voted Thursday (Feb. 16) to place a $31 million bond issue designated for improvements on the May election ballot. On a motion by Chris Davis, seconded by board vice president Henry Moreno, the board approved two propositions for the May ballot. Both propositions would be supported by a tax increase if passed. Complete video coverage of the school board special meeting is posted on the Devine News’ YouTube channel at youtu.be/iaZF6xhsJVo. Proposition A calls for $31 million on bond money for various projects such as a new district band hall, relocating high school administrative offices, improved site security through fencing and enclosed sidewalk corridors and a new early childhood center at Ciavarra Elementary.
Proposition B- on the ballot will call for for $1.2 million to cover new tennis courts and improvements to the stadium required under the Americans with Disabilities Act. “Any recreational things such as the stadium has to be put on a separate proposition,” board president Nancy Pepper said. Yet to be determined is if funds for improvements to the district’s special education building will be used for renovations or to replace the aging structure altogether. “We’re possibly going to build a new one rather than rescue the present building,” Pepper said. The pressure of record inflation weighed against equally dramatic increases in property appraisals colored much of the closing debate. Pepper said the board’s long term policy on handling the district’s debt rate put it in an improved position to pursue the bond issue. “Instead of lowering our debt rate every year as we paid off our bonds we kept it the same,” Pepper said. Now, by means of a defeasance, the district has set aside sufficient funds to cover a large portion of the debt associated with the new bond issue. In effect, the district has nearly $11 million to apply toward the new bond issue, Pepper said. “Because we’ve done that we could have called for as much as an $11 million bond issue and it would not have raised our taxes,” Pepper said. Still, board members questioned whether it might be better to wait until the next available election date in November. Others suggested using the May election as a test for what voters might view more favorably if it were put forward again in November. Board member Renee Frieda said that course of action would not show the board in the best light. “We could always go out (in May) and then go out again in November,” Frieda said. “But does that make us look organized and thoughtful.” On hand for the final debate were financial consultant Robert Tijerina of Tijerina Galvan and Lawrence and bond consultant Rose Kanusky of McCall Parkhurst and Horton. Casey Sledge of Sledge Engineering, construction consultants to the district, also addressed the council. Board member Carl Brown was absent from the special meeting.
A message from Devine ISD on upcoming bond election….
DISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to call for a $33.2 million bond election for Saturday, May 6, 2023. The decision was made at a called meeting, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023.
Two propositions will be on the ballot. All projects are recommended with the priority given to improving the safety and security of DISD campuses and students. Proposition A recommends projects at all four campuses and the special education building. High school projects encompass measures to increase security, which include moving the DHS office downstairs and remodeling the current space into classrooms. Also on the list are a new band hall, and converting the existing band hall into a black-box theater. (A black-box theater is a simple space, typically a square room with black walls and a flat floor that will be used as a classroom for theater classes.) Recommended projects at the middle school are an expansion of the boys and girls locker rooms, expanding the library, and a repurposing/remodeling of the cafeteria. At the intermediate school, a secure vestibule (entrance) is recommended to increase safety and security. Ciavarra Elementary recommended improvements include closing in all outdoor corridors, a new building that will include office space with a secure vestibule, early childhood center, including PreK and special education classrooms, a gym and dining area, and improvements to the drop-off and pick-up areas. The new facility will bring the youngest children much closer to the central campus. A total of $2.5 million of the bond is allocated to renovating/expanding or building a new special education building. The current space at the facility is too small to accommodate the current number of staff members, meeting rooms, etc. “After results of the bond election, we will determine the most cost-effective way to proceed with the special ed building,” Dr. Grandjean said. Bond election regulations require recreation facilities to be separate propositions; therefore, Proposition B recommends the addition of four new tennis courts, doubling what is in existence currently. “We are planning to have discussions with all aspects of the community, citizens, clubs–everyone. We will do these in-person and also on a virtual platform,” Dr. Grandjean said. The current interest and sinking tax rate will not increase on the first $11.665 million of the bond. After that there will be a $0.1807 per $100 valuation tax rate increase to the interest and sinking rate. (Interest and sinking is the budget that pays for debt that has been incurred by prior bond sales. The maintenance and operating side includes all the day-to-day running of the district. Bonds can be sold for facilities, purchase of buses, technology.) That increase will bring the total DISD tax rate to $1.2753 per $100 valuation pending maintenance and operation tax rate compression at the end of the current legislative session. The following table assumes the Local Homestead Exemption of $40,000.
