$1.2 billion Fort Worth schools bond is approved by 57-vote margin after final vote count
A $1.2 billion bond proposal to renovate Fort Worth schools is set to pass with a 57-vote victory after provisional and absentee votes for the Nov. 2 election were counted on Tuesday.
The proposition, which is set to provide for major renovations of all district middle schools and the construction of four elementary campuses, got 50.12% of the vote in its favor — 12,410 votes for the bond and 12,353 against.
Because of Proposition A’s slim margin on election night, absentee and provisional ballots could have affected its approval.
Of the more than 300 Tarrant County absentee and provisional ballots, 121 involved the Fort Worth bond vote.
Many Fort Worth middle schools are set to receive mechanical, electrical and plumbing updates, secured front entrances and renovations to hallways, interiors and common areas, as well as roofing improvements, the removal of portables, and the addition of classrooms.
“We are thrilled that voters are in support of our plan to bring our aging middle schools up to standard,” Superintendent Kent Scribner said in press release. “These funds will renovate some of our oldest campuses and bring them into alignment with our high schools.”
Money from the bond will also be used for a new elementary school in the Ventana neighborhood of Benbrook to ease overcrowding at Westpark Elementary, three replacement elementary campuses in east and southeast Fort Worth, and four early childhood centers.
Voters rejected three other Fort Worth school district bond proposals as part of a $1.49 billion package. Proposition B would have provided more than $98 million for the renovation of middle school and high school auditoriums. Proposition C would have provided more than $104 million for three stadiums, and Proposition D would have provided more than $76 million for the renovation of school gyms and fields.
“The main [proposal] changes our middle schools for the better,” Fort Worth resident Jennifer Estrada said. “I think we did the right thing.”
Fort Worth resident Carlos Turcios, who said he helped organize residents to vote against the bond through fliers and canvassing, said the rejection of three proposals and the slim margin of approval for Proposition A should show that residents’ priorities don’t align with the district’s priorities.
He pointed out that the 2017 bond election was approved by more than 70% of the vote.
“I don’t think this was a good bond election for the [district],” he said. “It really shows that a lot of residents are upset with the school district’s leadership.”
The renovations and construction bond projects are expected to take about five years to complete and could begin after the spring.
This story was originally published November 9, 2021 at 5:31 PM.
