Leaky roofs, cracked seats, old AC. These aging Fort Worth schools could get upgrades
When Jennifer Estrada picks up her son at William James Middle School, she sees a building that is essentially the same as when she attended in the early 1990s.
She remembers it was in bad shape back then so she is frustrated that the 95-year-old building has barely changed.
The building, in the Polytechnic Heights neighborhood in southeast Fort Worth, suffers from dated heating and air systems, water leaks when it rains and cracked auditorium seats, according to campus administrators.
Estrada sees the bond package proposed by the Fort Worth school district as a chance to see middle schools like this get a major upgrade, but she can’t deny that she has some sticker shock by the nearly $1.5 billion price tag.
“That could be what they need for so many schools,” she said. “But it needs to go into the right places.”
Early voting on the proposed bond package runs through Oct. 29. Election Day is Nov. 2.
What does the bond do?
Four propositions are on the ballot, but the bond package is highlighted by the renovations in Propositions A and B.
Prop A would provide more than $1.21 billion for major interior renovations throughout all district middle schools, as well as the construction of a new elementary school and replacement elementary campuses. Prop B would provide more than $98 million for the renovation of middle school and high school auditoriums.
The money would be distributed based on the needs at each campus, according to the district website.
A campus like William James Middle School, one of the oldest in the district, would receive more than $53 million for mechanical, electrical and plumbing updates, a secured front entrance, renovations to hallways, interiors and common areas.
The school would also see new science labs, a weight room and new rooms for band, orchestra and choir.
Kirkpatrick Middle School, a north side campus built in 1949, would receive more than $39 million for similar renovations, including roofing improvements, the removal of portables, and the addition of classrooms.
Money from Prop A would also be used for a new elementary school in the Ventana neighborhood of Benbrook to ease overcrowding at Westpark Elementary and to provide replacement elementary campuses in the Stop Six, Eastern Hills and South Fort Worth neighborhoods.
Money from Prop B would be split among middle school and high school auditoriums, as well as campuses with specialized fine art programs.
More than $60 million would go to high school auditoriums and more than $35 million would go to middle schools auditoriums for seating, lighting, sound and rigging improvements.
Propositions C and D would focus on athletics, with Prop C providing more than $104 million for three new stadium complexes and Prop D providing more than $76 million for the renovation of school gyms and fields.
On an individual campus level, 99-year-old Rosemont Middle School would receive the most money — more than $71 million. Jean McClung Middle, built in 2011, would receive the least amount — more than $30 million.
More than $904 million is going to district middle schools.
Condition of schools and resident opinions
Kirkpatrick Middle School principal Jeffrey Bartolotta said it is important to residents and students to maintain the structure of the school even if it receives updates through the bond, as the 72-year-old campus holds a lot of importance to generations of residents.
But the building does suffer because of its age, he said, with missing auditorium seats and older lighting and sound equipment. The school’s band hall has no sound proofing, the choir is in a portable, equipment storage is limited, science labs have old sinks, some science classes are in normal classrooms, and old heating units are prominent through the building.
Students, staff and parents love the campus, but they notice the differences when visiting other schools, Bartolotta said.
William James Middle School principal Melissa Rincon said she is a fan of her school’s Gothic architecture, but there are challenges that come with such an old building.
Water leaks and pools when it rains, the HVAC system is old, and the auditorium has no sound system or lighting.
An electrical fire has closed a classroom, inconsistent heating and cooling systems have affected student learning, and managing the building has become an additional daily responsibility for staff — on top of educating students.
“There are things that take time and planning and logistics in order to maintain a good environment for our students,” she said. “On top of instruction, COVID and everything else we’re tasked with doing. So there are challenges for sure.”
The district’s bond projects are based on a 2017 assessment that determined the specific projects and dollar values for each proposition, according to district officials. Construction experts evaluated the campus needs and established recommendations.
The long-range master plan created in preparation for the 2017 bond included teachers, principals, students, parents and residents. The specifications established for high schools during that process were translated to district middle schools, officials said.
Fort Worth resident Ruben Guerrero said he supports the bond package, as long as the money goes to the neediest schools.
“The way kids look at their schools matters,” he said. “When they have pride in their schools then they can have more pride in the work they do each year.”
But the bond has received opposition from some residents who say the package is wasteful and doesn’t address academic performance.
Fort Worth resident Sydney Brooks said she believes the bond could still result in higher taxes.
“Property taxes in Fort Worth are already ridiculous,” she said.
A Facebook page named “Vote ‘NO’ $1.5 Billion FWISD Bond” was created in July, and some residents voiced their concern during the Aug. 10 board meeting when trustees approved the bond election, saying that before approving a billion dollar bond they want to see academic improvements.
Fort Worth resident Carlos Turcios told the board that he is concerned with the price, and thinks the district should focus on academics and changing the district’s leadership.
“We’re a C-rated ISD,” he said. “We’re behind Dallas. We’re behind Houston... Frankly, if the ISD is going to make change and make positive impacts, they need to terminate the superintendent and bring good leadership.”
How the money shakes out
District officials and Superintendent Kent Scribner have emphasized that the bond would not increase the tax rate.
But this doesn’t mean that taxpayers will pay the same or less in property taxes in the future. Property valuations in Tarrant County have been trending up. If this continues, residents are likely to have larger property tax bills regardless of the bond’s fate.
Increasing property values, principal reductions and low interest rates would allow the district to pay the bond without increasing the tax rate.
Early voting is runs through Oct. 29. Information sessions regarding the bond package are throughout the month, with the next set for 6 p.m. Tuesday South Hills High School.
