According to unofficial results obtained from the Medina County Elections office, the Natalia ISD bond package passed with 868 votes (57.52%) in favor and 641 votes (42.48%) against.
A total of 1,509 votes were cast.
“Natalia ISD is extremely proud and appreciative that the district, school board, parents and community have come together to put our students first,” NISD Superintendent Dr. Hensley Cone said. “We also want to thank our bond committee composed of community, parents, teachers, administrators, and school board members. Quality facilities provide a safe environment that is conducive to quality learning experiences. The district will be transparent and keep all stakeholders informed as we move forward in the process.
“With this being said, our focus still remains on academic improvement. I am proud to be the Superintendent of Natalia ISD and have my kids attend our schools. Good things are happening in Natalia ISD.”
The $10.7M bond is broadly similar to a $9.1M package that was rejected in 2015.
“The difference this time is we have a Superintendent and staff that were transparent about the bond and utilized every avenue to try and educate the public on the facts about the bond,” Board President Eric Smith said, also praising the parents of Mustang Band members for their support. “It was extremely important we pass this bond due to the fast-rising construction costs. Our district is in dire need of upgrades and this will be a huge facelift for our district.
“I couldn’t be happier.”
The bond will fund the construction of five new Natalia Junior High School classrooms, a new science and art area, a new library, kitchen, combined NJHS/Natalia Elementary School cafeteria, NES playground, and covered play area. New NJHS administration offices will be built, and the current NJHS cafeteria will be converted into a Band Hall.
Plans also call for corridors to be built between NES, the new construction, and NJHS, enclosing the campuses and allowing for indoor foot traffic to pass from one campus to the other.
Bus and parent drop-off points will be re-routed along 8th St. Parent drop-off will be in front of the new NJHS administration offices, and 60 new parking spaces will be added.
The current NJHS 6th grade wing will be demolished. Any remaining funds will be used to renovate the elementary gym.
Construction could begin as early as February 2019.
By Marly Davis
Staff Writer
