More than 60 percent of Wimberley ISD voters May 5 gave the green light to a $45.5 million bond package that includes construction of a new primary school campus.
The referendum, which was approved with 67 percent of the 2,520 voters who took part in the election, also includes a $.065 ad valorem tax increase for those under the age of 65. With the bond’s approval, Wimberley ISD’s tax rate will go from $1.297 per $100 valuation to $1.362.
“We are very grateful to our local residents for their enthusiastic support of our school district. This bond package provides the foundation for improving both the learning environment and tools for our students and teachers,” said Dwain York, WISD superintendent, in a statement. “We are especially thankful for the parent and community groups who rallied to make sure these projects were approved for our present and future students.”
Wimberley’s new 85,000 square foot primary school, which will be located at Ranch Road 12 and Winters Mill Parkway, will have 36 classrooms, a gym, library and cafeteria and will have a capacity for 675 students.
York said the new school, which has a price tag of $31.3 million, would serve students in Pre-K to 2nd grade. The campus would alleviate overcrowding issues at both Scudder Primary and Jacobs Well Elementary schools.
The bond also included $984,000 for repurposing Scudder Primary into a WISD technology department, as well as classrooms for students in the alternative education program.
Scudder Primary, which was built in 1988, holds 406 students and is currently 133 percent over capacity, according to district officials. Students currently at Scudder would be moved to the new primary school campus upon its completion.
In addition, Wimberley ISD will partner with Austin Community College to provide continuing education courses that will be offered at the current Scudder Primary campus.
Other items in the bond include adding a 6,000 square foot building on the Danforth Junior High campus, along with a renovated kitchen with new cooking equipment. Renovations at Danforth Junior High include upgrades to the band hall and purchasing new equipment, including science instruction and lab tools, as well as teacher desks and chairs.
The bond monies will also pay for various equipment purchases and upgrades at Wimberley High, a 6,000 square foot barn for the agriculture department, as well as construction of sidewalks that are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.
“Our teachers are excited and look forward to the improvements to their campuses. When we get this kind of support from our community, it means the students reap the rewards of both the tools and teachers, whose expertise and creativity are limitless,” York said.
