Realtors’ Group Endorses TISD Bond Proposal

TYLER — The Greater Tyler Association of Realtors’ 1100-plus-member organization Tuesday endorsed the TISD Bond Proposal slated for vote in the November 2 election. President Bill Pillsbury announced the group’s support. Pillsbury said, “All schools – public, private and those in our surrounding areas – are crucial to home values. When businesses and individuals look at a move to our area, the two biggest factors they look at are the medical facilities and schools. Our medical is top notch and our schools need to be as well. TISD has demonstrated their ability to construct quality facilities, and investing in education is especially prudent during these economic times. Construction costs are low, and there has never been a better time to get bond money. We urge everyone to join our organization in voting YES to the TISD Bond Proposal.”

Andy Bergfeld, Vote Yes spokesperson and a member of GTAR, introduced Pillsbury. In addition, other members of the Vote Yes committee were in attendance including Senator Kevin Eltife and former Mayor Joey Seeber. GTAR is the fourth organized group to endorse the bond along with the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, “Educators for TISD,” and “Faith Based Leaders for TISD”. The $89.8 million TISD Bond Proposal includes the replacement of the final two current elementary schools and the construction of a new middle school relief campus for overcrowding and growth. The $89.8 million can be paid for with no tax rate increase.

The citizen activist group Grassroots America – We the People continues to lead the charge against the bond, saying too many unanswered questions remain. According to Executive Director JoAnn Fleming’s most recent statement, “GAWTP is asking Tyler ISD to take seriously the consulting report that tells them they need to redraw attendance lines so that we can get the population of Tyler ISD dispersed around so that we can maximize the use of the facilities we have, including the new ones.”