How We Got Here

In 2013-2014, a Facilities Advisory Committee was created to assist with evaluation of all facilities and maintenance projects, set project priorities from evaluations and walk-throughs, and make future recommendations. The committee members are citizens and stakeholders of Cumby. The co-chairs of the committee are Bobby Yarbrough and Joe Salinas. In September 2017 a facilities study was completed, and based on the findings priorities were set. Immediately, the priority of safety and security was noted by the Facilities Committee and a second priority was identified.
This priority includes the need to expand Cumby ISD’s learning opportunities for students in the areas of College, Career, and future readiness; thus creating the need for programs, materials, and space to provide the rigorous curriculum and learning experiences.
These priorities and scope of need led the board to consider a bond election for May 2021.
On Thursday, February 11th, the six members present voted unanimously to call a bond.
In addition to the projected bond projects costs, the district intends to prioritize other projects which will be funded by current dollars, not bonded dollars.

This is what they found:

•Elementary entrance not secure – should be two levels of entry before access to students

•Students exposed to elements during drop-off / pick-up / bus loading/unloading

•Students in portables must move to main building during emergencies

•Drainage at the Elementary has created some issues with flooding and water standing at the cafeteria and football field, creating some unnecessary erosion and also creating issues with water running under the Elementary building.

•Playground is exposed / unsecure and equipment deteriorating

•No break area for Elementary teachers

•Desire to move all students into a building with secure entries;  i.e. no portables.

•Students at JH/HS must cross the street for lunch

•More space and ventilation are needed in the Ag shop to accommodate the number of students, necessary equipment, and guidelines for ventilation. 

•Cafeteria too small for school functions (Athletic Banquet, Kindergarten Graduation, etc.)

•More space and labs needed for CTE classes

•New building allows for additional classrooms and space to accommodate for future growth.

Current Map of the District

Future Map of the District

(Some construction may be subject to change due to student needs)

Preliminary Cost Estimate – Master Plan A

Tax Impact Information

Cumby ISD Bond Presentation

Building Program

Prop A – Project Description:

  Proposed $7,341,000 Bond Package

  •Elementary ($660,800)  (Proposition A) 

•New / secure playground

•Add secure entry

•Address concerns with drainage

•Add sidewalks/canopies

•Enlarge / Renovate cafeteria

  •Junior High / High School ($224,000)  (Proposition A)

•Convert to Intermediate

•Interior renovations

•Add eating space

 •Additional Renovations ($78,400)    (Proposition A)

 •New High School Building ($5,280,800)    (Proposition A)

•Labs/CTE Facilities

•Drives and parking

 •New Metal Ag Shop ($1,097,600)    (Proposition A)

Prop B - Project Description:

  •Construction of a Track ($600,000)  (Proposition B)

Proposition B is contingent upon Proposition A passing.  

FAQS

MY TAXES JUST WENT DOWN, WHY SHOULD I VOTE FOR THEM TO GO BACK UP?

This bond is focusing on addressing current safety and security and future growth and development of our students.

 HOW WILL THIS IMPACT MY TAXES?

If passed, this proposal will raise taxes to either $1.45 or $1.47, depending on projects chosen for bond. 

Example: If you own a home that costs $100,000, your taxes would increase to $19.38 monthly or $232.50 annually with the $1.45 tax rate; or $20.63 monthly or $247.50 annually with the $1.47.  Cumby ISD’s current tax rate is $1.14.  Therefore, taxes would increase either 31 cents or 33 cents depending on the projects chosen.  The amount of the proposed bond program will be between $7,341,000 and $7,941,000.  

Cumby ISD property taxes for citizens age 65 or older will not be affected by the bond election as long as a homestead and over 65 exemption application have been filed with the local appraisal district.

According to State law, the dollar amount of school taxes imposed on the residence homestead of a person 65 years of age or older cannot be increased above the amount paid in the first year after the person turned 65 – regardless of changes in tax rate or property value – unless significant improvements are made to the home.

ˆassuming assessed values do not decrease

WHY WAS THE NEW FOOTBALL FIELD/TRACK REMOVED FROM THE BOND PROPOSAL?

At this time, the Facilities Committee decided that instead of adding onto the current Elementary; which was a concern from some in Fall 2019, there is no longer a need to relocate the football field to accommodate an add on.  As for the track, there is a possibility of adding this project to the bond program.  More discussion will be had on this.  

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE BOND DOES NOT PASS?

Cumby ISD will continue to put students first and take care of student and program needs with our current facilities.  Preventative maintenance plans are in place to help extend the life of our buildings and facilities.  We will also continue efforts to ensure the safety and security of our students, faculty and staff.  Projects will be prioritized for these things and completed when possible based on funds.  As growth continues, if there are no classrooms available, more portables will be considered.  Currently the Elementary is over capacity, with students in portables, and High School enrollment is increasing annually but does have room left for some growth.  As student enrollment continues to increase; 25 students this year and 7 to 11 students each year over the past two years, we will begin the process of the purchase and replacement of some portables if the bond proposal does not pass.  Also, some classes will have an increase in student to teacher ratio.  Classes could go from 18:1 to 24+:1.