SPI Insights

Voters approved a $1.3 billion bond for San Antonio ISD (SAISD) on November 3 that will address a backlog of maintenance issues and provide facelifts for many campuses that have not undergone full renovations in more than 50 years.

Proposition A, which totals $1.21 billion, will fund renovations at 36 SAISD campuses, of which 21 have not been fully renovated in more than 50 years. Fifteen additional campuses will receive finishing improvements, and all campuses will receive security upgrades. The district will use Proposition A funds to replace chillers that are 15 years old or more.

Renovations to Sam Houston High School will be funded by Proposition A. The school is set to undergo $38.43 million in improvements including a new fine arts addition with a dance studio and black box theater, new sports fields, new tennis courts, and an overhaul or replacement of gyms, locker rooms, weight rooms, and support spaces.

The district will work to preserve historic elements of the Thomas Jefferson High School auditorium, library, and common areas and install new sports fields.

Nearly $26.65 million will go to the district’s Advanced Learning Academy to add new interior and exterior security cameras and a secured vestibule.

Proposition B authorizes $90 million for technology improvements in every classroom, such as high-speed connectivity, individual devices, support tools, interactive smart boards, and audio systems.

SAISD’s superintendent said the district will not waste any time in beginning to seek qualified firms to perform the work.