On Monday, August 31, 2009, Bonham Independent School District board members called for a $40 million bond election to be held Nov. 3.

If approved by voters, the bond money would be used to update several district facilities. The needs for facility improvement have been determined by the Board of Trustees and a community facility focus committee that began meeting in January of 2009. 

If approved, some grade levels will be realigned. Finley-Oates Elementary will house grades K-4; I.W. Evans will house grades 5-6 and share common space with L.H. Rather that will house grades 7-8.

 

The plan includes:

 

• Additions to L.H. Rather Junior High including
  • 5th and 6th grade classrooms and science labs
  • cafeteria 
  • media center
  • office space
  • band/choir
  • art
  • life skills
  • gym/athletic dressing
  • renovation work to other areas

 

• Additions to Finley-Oates Elementary including:
  • 4th grade classrooms and science labs
  • gymnasium
  • bilingual classrooms
  • music classroom
  • renovation work to other areas

 

• Additions to Bonham High School including:
  • new entrance
  • office space
  • media center
  • science labs
  • gymnasium/athletic dressing
  • cafeteria
  • renovation work to other areas

 

Facts to Note

 

• For a $50,000 home, the increased tax to cover the bond payment will be $148.75 annually or $12.40 per month.

 

• For homeowners 65 years and older who have applied for their taxes to be frozen, this bond can not increase their school tax bill.

Community forum meetings to discuss the bond proposal have been scheduled for the following:

 

• 6 p.m. on Monday September 21 at the Finley-Oates Elementary cafeteria
• 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28 at the I.W. Evans cafeteria
• 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at the L.H. Rather gymnasium
• 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2009 at the Bonham High cafeteria 

For more information contact Sonny Cruse, Superintendent-Bonham ISD at 903-583-5526 ext 1100 or sonny.cruse@bonhamisd.org.