Tyler School Board Approves Bond Package

TYLER — Tyler school trustees have unanimously approved sending to voters in May a $160.5 million bond proposal. The measure was approved at Thursday night’s meeting. The bond proposal would create a career and technology center that offers cosmetology and health science classes. It also calls for the renovation of Dixie and Rice Elementary Schools and building three new middle schools. The last school bond issue went before voters in 2010. The proposal was rejected.

One group, ‘”No More Excuses, Tyler ISD,” opposes the bond. Activist JoAnn Fleming tells KETK the district’s priorities do not make sense, and that Tyler ISD needs to focus on the low academic performance in the district. Cedrick Granberry, a parent and member of the opposition group, says, “New schools don’t teach children, good teachers and stable administration does teach children.” Tyler ISD tells KETK infrasructure and academics go hand- in-hand when it comes to the best learning performance. School officials say they value the safety and security of students as much as academics. Tyler Proud is a citizen group supporting the bond issue. According to the group’s Facebook page, “Great schools make a great community and it’s time for 21st century schools in Tyler!”