Fact Check Organization
A Katy citizen’s group is forming to fact check, and monitor the proposed Katy ISD November bond election. The group is comprised of former school board members, educators, members of the business community, and other interested citizens.
The bond, as currently proposed, will be for $609 million dollars. It will include a $206 million dollar high school, and that amount is in addition to the cost for the land which was purchased with previous bond funds. The location of the proposed high school is in the Cross Creek community near Fulshear, Texas. The bond also includes a world class indoor natatorium, combined with other amenities, thus making it among the most expensive high schools in the country. Operational totals are not included. Lamar School District, which neighbors Katy ISD has included a $124,500.00 High School in their 2017 bond election.
Katy ISD has gained national notoriety for spending $72 + million dollars on a football stadium with a multimillion dollar Jumbotron. The initial bond was voted down by the tax payer’s for being too excessive.
Over time, those paying attention to KISD bonds have come to realize that the taxpayers are stuck with higher taxes, higher appraisal values on their homes, and an unending debt every time a bond is passed. Katy ISD has one of the highest tax rates in Texas and one of the largest debts. While our tax rates may remain the same, the increased appraisal values will increase taxes.
Pro Bond groups with close ties to the Board members/Katy ISD administrators have been formed. In the past they have been financed by vendors, developers, contractors, and others that stand to gain from these “Taj Mahal” Schools. In past elections the district and PACs have been subjected to fines and investigations by the District Attorney, Texas Rangers and Texas Ethics Commission. The district has refused to break out and have line item issues. The bond will be all or nothing, and no specific issues will be listed.
Citizens in all areas of the Katy ISD school district should be concerned, pay attention to the issues, ask questions, and vote in November. For further information, call A.D. Muller 713-818-3510