Spurs Back SAISD Bonds

The San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association are the single largest contributor to a group formed to support the San Antonio Independent School District’s request for $515 million of general obligation bonds.

Voters will decide on the proposal at today’s election.

The Spurs have given $100,000 of the $307,880 in campaign contributions reported by the pro-bond political action committee, Vote Yes to Schools. Students. Community.

One week before the election, the PAC said that it had spent $265,452 on the effort.

Other top donors include two $25,000 contributions from the H-E-B grocery store chain along with another $25,000 from the Zachry Group Inc. construction firm.

A spokesman for Spurs, Sports & Entertainment said the Spurs’ parent company sees improved schools as a tool for urban revitalization.

“We’ve committed to doing whatever is necessary to see that this bond passes this time,” said Leo Gomez, vice president of public affairs for the Spurs.

He said the NBA team had backed earlier school bond issues.

San Antonio ISD’s general obligation debt has unenhanced ratings of AA-minus from Standard & Poor’s, AA from Fitch Ratings, and A1 by Moody’s Investors Service.

The district’s bonds are enhanced to triple-A coverage by the Texas Permanent School Fund.

San Antonio ISD serves central San Antonio. It is one of the 15 largest school districts in Texas.

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