LGISD to Put Wide-Ranging $90 Million Bond Before Voters
There was a special called meeting of the LGISD board of trustees held on Monday. The sole item on the agenda was to consider the approval of calling for a bond election on May 2.
Three people signed up to address the board concerning the proposed bond (two against and one in favor, more on that later in the story). After that comment period, the school board unanimously voted to call a bond election for May 2, 2026.
The $90 million proposal includes several items including: • Renovation of the 1923 Building (old high school)
• New construction of a classroom wing and cafetorium space at the Middle School
• Renovations to the High School science labs and restrooms • Playground upgrades at the Elementary School and restroom renovations
• Covered walkways at the Elementary School and the High School
• New Construction of a Multipurpose Educational/ Activity Center at the High School with classrooms for Career and Technology Education courses and other district programs, dressing rooms, a weight room, and a 60-yard indoor area for physical education activities, band, cheer, and dance
• Parking and traffic routes
• Replacement of the Intercom System and Access Control
• Four new buses In a press release regarding the bond, Superintendent Andy McHazlett said, “This proposal is the result of the collaborative efforts of our trustees, parents, community members, and staff. It reflects what we heard from our facility committee and focuses on student safety, renovations, and infrastructure across the district.”
That press release regarding the bond from the district outlined the financial implications if the bond passes: “If voters approve the bond, the Interest & Sinking (l&S) Tax Rate would increase $0.3662 per $100 valuation of a home, resulting in an annual increase of approximately $79 per month for a home valued at $400,000. Additionally, this tax rate increase would have no impact on the current homesteads of district residents aged 65 and older who have the 65 And Over Exemption filed with the central appraisal district (except for any new improvements).”
Prior to voting on the bond members heard from three community members about the project.
The first to speak was Jeremy Janda. He told the board he had several issues with calling the bond at this time. He told the board that he was concerned for the people who actually carry the financial burden of this district. He said that since this district is heavily weighted toward residents who are over 65, the real cost of the bond will fall most heavily on young families. He then said that rising property taxes will make it harder for working families to stay in this community. He questioned how this bond will help improve the rating of the district from a C to an A. He said, “I’m not saying there are not legitimate and reasonable improvements that need to be made to LGISD, but this feels hasty and excessive.”
The second speaker was Jeff Parker. He spoke of his concern that $90 million is “a lot of money.” He said that, “I’ve learned during the various workshops and the committee, in my estimation somewhere between 30 and 50% of that money, of those things you want to spend it on, are highly justifiable.” He spoke more of the difference between needs and wants. He also told the board that he feels they should wait for a higher turnout election instead of doing this at the May election. He recommended that the board “put the brakes on this.”
The third and final speaker was Holly McBroom. She spoke in support of calling the bond election. She stated, “I’m a proud graduate of La Grange High School...After college, I chose to come back home to La Grange where I opened my business nearly 24 years ago and have been successfully serving our community ever since. Today, I’m the president of the La Grange Elementary PTO and my husband and I are raising our daughter here. She is currently in the sixth grade. I share all of this for one reason. LGISD helped make me who I am today.”
She spoke of her family’s long-time connection to La Grange ISD, mentioning that her grandfather served on the school board for over 30 years. She said, “I have seen firsthand the importance of thoughtful planning and long-term investment in our schools.”
She went on to say, “I have reviewed the plans for this bond. I have reviewed the numbers. I understand there will be questions, as there should be. But knowing what I know, and having been inside our schools regularly – a lot, as an involved parent and private citizen – I strongly believe this community deserves the opportunity to weigh in.
“Calling this bond allows our community to have the conversation. It allows transparency, education, and thoughtful discussion. And it allows the voters of La Grange ISD to decide what is best for our students, our staff, and our future.”