Anson ISD parents share their thoughts on $17M school bond election

ANSON, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Over the past few months, signs supporting and opposing a $17 million school bond have appeared in the residential streets of Anson. For example, outside the home of Anson ISD parent Leticia Hernandez, there is a sign that says, “Vote No on Prop B.”

In contrast, the sign in front of the home of Anson ISD parents Jeremiah and Nicole McCurdy encourages voters to support both Propositions A and B. This situation raises the question: What is causing this divide among residents?

“I plan to vote yes for Prop A and no for Prop B…I’m a very firm believer of living within your means,” said Hernandez.

“It’s going to benefit so much of our community, so many of our kids. It’s just worth it, and we will be voting for A and B,” Nicole said.

Proposition A requests $9.2 million to fund additions to elementary schools, renovations of district facilities, resurfacing of parking lots, and enhancements to the high school’s Career Technical Education (CTE) classrooms.

“We’re looking to grow our CNA program and hoping to start a cosmetology program, but we need some classrooms,” Anson ISD Superintendent Troy Hinds said.

Hernandez and the McCurdys agree that Prop A’s expanded educational opportunity and improved facilities will benefit Anson students.

Approval of Proposition B would see $7.8 million used for the resurfacing of the track, installing turf on all three athletic fields, and constructing a new field house. It is here that Hernandez and other Anson residents find an issue.

“You put turf on the field, but we still have stands that need attention, and we still have concession stands that need attention. And this work that’s been done that’s not completely finished yet. That should be addressed before we do something that extravagant,” Hernandez said.

She is also concerned about how the increased taxes might impact Ansonians’ financial future, saying, “I have two kids that will be out of school. They’ll be investing in our community soon. We own two businesses, my husband and I, and we want to be able to pass that on to them and them to be able to thrive with that,” said Hernandez.

On the pro-Prop B side, the McCurdys spoke not only as parents but also as district members: Jeremiah as the Operations Director and Nicole in the district curriculum.

“If you look over the lifespan of the turf fields. It’s going to be just about a break-even point on cost, man-hours, watering the fields, maintaining them, and such,” said Jeremiah.

“Athletics is there not just for them to compete in, but for their bodies to be healthy; for their minds to be healthy… I don’t want people to think that we, as a district, are not going to spend money on our academics because we do care about academics every single day. But we’re also trying to create well-rounded individuals and well-rounded kids, and that involves that CTE portion, that athletic portion, and that academic portion,” Nicole added.

Jeremiah concluded their interview with a call to action for all Anson ISD residents, no matter what view they hold, to get out and make their voices heard. Superintendent Hinds stated that the district is excited to see these opportunities brought to Anson Students, whether Prop B passes or not, similarly to Jeremiah, saying he hopes everyone will come out to vote in this election.

Early voting is scheduled from Tuesday, April 22, through April 29. Don’t forget that Election Day is on May 3.