Brazoswood High School plans $7.7M pool funding and May 2025 bond election

During the recent Brazosport Independent School District (BISD) Board Meeting held on July 14, 2025, significant discussions centered around funding for a new pool at Brazoswood High School and the establishment of a bond planning committee aimed at addressing future district needs.

The meeting highlighted the role of the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, which was created to ensure that tax dollars are spent according to voter approval in bond programs. On September 18, this committee convened to discuss funding options for the construction of a replacement pool at Brazoswood High School. The estimated cost for the project is $7.7 million. The committee recommended utilizing $5.2 million remaining from the 2019 Brazoswood project, along with $38,000 from the 2014 bond program, and allocating interest earnings from the same program to cover the remaining costs. The board is expected to consider this funding proposal at their November meeting.

In addition to the pool funding, the board discussed the potential for a bond election in May 2025. This bond aims to address critical areas such as maintenance, technology, safety, and capital equipment, which are essential for providing a safe learning environment for students. The district has a history of successfully utilizing voter-approved bond programs, with the last three occurring in 2012, 2014, and 2019. The Citizens Bond Oversight Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in monitoring expenditures and project timelines.

The board's administration emphasized the importance of continuing to use bond programs to meet district needs, especially given the lack of state legislative support for school funding. Fortunately, the district's strong industrial tax base allows for the issuance of voter-approved bonds without increasing the current tax rate.

To facilitate the upcoming bond election, the board plans to form a bond planning committee that will include community stakeholders such as parents, teachers, district staff, and local business leaders. This committee will assess current district needs, evaluate facilities, and keep the community informed about the bond planning process. Meetings are scheduled for November 7, November 21, and December 5, with the goal of making a recommendation to the board in January 2025 for the bond referendum to be placed on the May ballot.

The discussions at this meeting underscore the district's proactive approach to addressing its infrastructure and educational needs while ensuring community involvement and transparency in the decision-making process.