Kingsville ISD has released more information for the public regarding the upcoming $40 million dollar bond election, which would fund a new high school.

Kingsville ISD will pursue state assistance with the Texas Education Agency through IFA (Instructional Facility Allotment) and EDA (Existing Debt Allotment) funding.

With state assistance, approximately 43 percent of the $40 million bond would be paid by the state and 57 percent would be paid by local tax effort.

What this means is for taxpayers over the age of 65, there will be no impact. Values are frozen on homestead as provided by law.

For taxpayers under the age of 65, there will be a net tax increase of approximately $0.17 per $100 of taxable assessed valuation.

Estimated tax implication for $50,000 home valuation, with a $15,000 homestead exemption, would be around $59.60 annually or $4.96 a month.

Estimated tax implication for $100,000 home valuation, with a $15,000 homestead exemption, would be around $144.50 annually or $12.04 a month.

This process to obtain a new high school began in 2007 when the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) was commissioned to conduct an educational facilities study for KISD.

Dr. Paul Trautman, with TASA, reported numerous deficiencies with H.M. King High School including safety concerns with campus-wide handicap accessibility, situations in which doors could prevent or restrict evacuation during a building emergency, air quality, and congestion during passing periods as students rotate among classrooms, which could also restrict emergency evacuation.

Dr. Trautman found that there are interior finishes and fixtures which are in need of replacing such as floors, ceilings, windows, doors, hardware, casework, and boards.

It was reported that 95 percent of classrooms are 67 percent smaller than the current state minimum standards. The high school campus was built in 1963.

Dr. Trautman also found evidence of foundation movement, shifting, and cracking and also said the auditorium needs major refurbishing.

Many support service areas, such as the clinic and counseling centers, were found to be too small and inadequate for use, and the building has been labeled functionally obsolete as a whole.

In order to maintain the new high school, structured energy savings, a preventative and routine maintenance plan, improved custodial support, curb appeal plan and maintenance, and implantation of a recycling program are listed among commitments KISD has pledged to keep if the bond issue is approved by voters.

Early voting for the May 8 election takes place Monday, April 26, to Tuesday May 4, at the KISD administration building, located on 207 N. Third Street.

Mobile early voting sites will be set up at KISD schools on each of the designated early voting days.