A citizens’ committee last week recommended the Arlington Independent School District put a $197 million bond referendum to a vote this fall. Proceeds would finance a new elementary school and expansions at various campuses.
The 33-member bond advisory committee presented school trustees with plans to use bond proceeds to fund $115.9 million of construction projects over the next five years to upgrade and expand current facilities and build another elementary school.
Additional projects outlined in the committee recommendation include $60 million for technology upgrades, $8.3 million for upgrades to fine arts facilities, and $13.3 million for new buses and other transportation enhancements.
The district said many of its 90 campuses are beyond their capacity limits, and rely on portable buildings to house the overflow. Total enrollment is more than 63,000.
Arlington is located midway between Dallas and Forth Worth. The school district serves all of Arlington and parts of Dalworthington Gardens, Pantego, and Grand Prairie. Arlington ISD hasn’t issued new-money bonds since 1999.
The district’s financial adviser is First Southwest Co. McCall, Parkhurst & Horton LLP is bond counsel. Moody’s Investors Service rates the district’s debt at Aa2.
