UNITED THEY STAND
Grassroots group devotes energy to school bond
By Lori Thomason

Dr. John Alexander, center, presents facts on Bullard ISD's bond proposal at a Thursday press conference. Alexander, a BISD trustee, is also co-chair of "FOR the Future of BISD," a contingent of local residents whose mission is to inform the public on facts of the proposal. Co-chair Sam Smith, left, and Treasurer Darren Davis also spoke on rumors versus facts concerning the $28.5 million proposed bond.

Twelve percent. Dr. John Alexander, co-chairman of the "FOR the Future of Bullard ISD" committee, said 12 percent is not the focus of the Bullard bond proposal. It's the 88 percent voters should recognize and pay most attention to.

That's why he helped form this committee, he said, whose mission has been to inform the public of the upcoming $28.5 million bond issue.

"It's misconceptions that hurt us, and we want it cleared up," said Alexander, who is also a BISD trustee.

"Everyone wants to say this is all about good old East Texas football, and that's far from the truth."

The committee has been knocking on doors and talking to everyone they can to give taxpayers accurate breakdowns and facts concerning how the bond money is to be spent.

The three representatives of the group: Alexander, co-chair Sam Smith and treasurer Darren Davis held a press conference Thursday to clear up any "misperceptions."

What about that 12 percent? It's the portion allocated for what Alexander said is not a football stadium, but rather a multi-purpose sports complex.

"Sure it will be used as a football stadium," he said. "But the facility is also a place for the community. It would be used for our annual Fourth of July celebration, high school graduation, band contests, and so many other things."

The current stadium was constructed in 1983 at a time when Bullard was moving into Class 2A. The district supported a much smaller farm community at that time and the stadium was constructed with limited funding.

The school system is now a large 3A District and cannot sustain current Bullard supporters, much less fans from other 3A schools, the group said.

This limits the schools ability to host numerous school and community related events. Currently, Bullard doesn't have facilities to hold its graduation locally. Students and parents must go to Tyler Junior College for yearly commencement.

By the numbers

And then there's the other 88 percent of the bond, which goes to academics.

The actual breakdown on how the bond money is to be spent: is:

* an 80,000-square-foot brand new elementary school (2nd - 4th grade) that will be constructed on a new road between HWY 2493 and (road off) Schoolhouse Road. Cost: $15.1 million.

* renovations to Bullard Intermediate School (5th-6th grade): (;) a new library; two science classrooms; new entryway. Cost: $2.7 million.

* renovations to the existing elementary school (pre-K - 1st grade) and middle school (7th -8th grade). Cost: $500,000.

* additions to Bullard High School: a fine arts center, drama classroom, two general classrooms, cafeteria and gym seating expansions. Cost: $5.6 million.

* a new multi-purpose stadium for football, band competitions, track meets, graduations, community events, etc. with allweather track, press box, dressing areas and concessions. Cost: $3 million.

"With time and growth come change," Alexander said. "I'm still amazed at the growth, and I'm equally amazed at the diversity within our school system."

Alexander and his group know it all comes down to one common denominator: community pride.

"In my business I see and talk to Bullard residents every day and the theme is a common one: pride. Pride in our schools, the administration, and the education.

"The time has come for the entire community to continue to show that pride by voting for the bond proposal and support quality standards allowing them to continue as the community grows."

Smith, co-chair of the committee, took a different tack.

A 1984 graduate of Bullard High School, Smith offered himself as living proof that Bullard schools more than adequately prepared him for the future, and in order to sustain that level of quality, it hinges on an active stance on growth.

"I am living proof that a quality school system, with great academic, fine arts and athletic programs can help us develop the leaders of tomorrow," Smith said. "The experience I had while attending Bullard schools prepared me for my future success in the business world, and I want every other Bullard student to have the same opportunity."

Smith asserted that families choose to live in a community based on the quality of schools in the area something he can attest to first hand.

He said he and his family - until recently - lived in the Sonoma Valley part of Northern California.

"We lived in a beautiful area of the country, but as our children grew, we began looking at the failing education systems in the area.

"The population was neglecting the school systems, never passing legislation to keep the schools current in size and technology, and thus the kids and community suffered substantially," Smith said.

He said after a visit to see family in Bullard, his wife, who grew up in Plano, fell in love - with the quality of the community and the strength of Bullard's schools.

"We soon realized we needed to get our kids in a better environment," he said. "We relocated to Bullard shortly after that.

"The first question anyone with children asks before they move to a community is, 'What are the schools like?'" he said. "We have all invested in this community when we chose to live here and we want to be sure that the answer continues to be 'exceptional.'"

The process

Davis has been part of the bond process for months now, first serving on the facilities committee. The committee, which was made up of about 60 members of the community, was a mix of business people, school administrators, educators, parents and every other sector of the community.

Davis said he had no idea about the desperate needs of the schools until the committee began its meeting in April with tours of all the campuses.

"The real meat of the bond proposal involves a new elementary school that will accommodate growth into the next decade," Davis said. "It also includes a much-needed road to ease traffic congestion, renovations and upgrades to other schools such as: expanded classrooms, libraries, science labs and cafeterias.

"Our committee is simply placing the highest level of importance directly where it belongs on the future of Bullard kids, families, and the community."

Before the FOR the Future of Bullard ISD committee, there was the facilities committee. The group worked for months with Dr. Arnold Oates, president of Texas School Planning, Inc. Oates helped the facilities group to understand its options.

Oates spent a tremendous amount of time this spring in Bullard studying demographics and making projections for BISD.

He reviewed district facilities for use, condition, and student capacity using the previous facility studies and visiting each campus to interview staff and teachers.

He determined the student capacity for each school in terms of educational functionality and adequacy, he studied housing development and then prepared a comprehensive 10-year enrollment forecast to help determine the number of students per grade level by 2016.

Oates then gave a preliminary report to trustees and Superintendent Wright that offered different options.

According to Oates' preliminary report, Bullard was ahead of all other surrounding cities in growth at a percentage change of 37.5, followed by Whitehouse at 29.2 percent.

As Bullard's population grows, the district is likely to bear the brunt of a projected population spike, causing enrollment to soar.

"We don't want to be a district full of portable buildings and large student teacher ratios," Smith said.

"That's exactly what will happen if you are reactive rather than proactive." If you don't have children, why should you care?

The group knows the answer to that one, too. And it's a matter of investment - both tangible and intangible.

"If we don't invest wisely then we all lose. Anyone who has purchased property within Bullard made a substantial investment.

One of the biggest draws when buying property here is our schools and those who don't have children should still want to see their investment stay strong and increase in value," Smith said. "Without good schools, communities deteriorate - allowing that to happen makes everyone's investment diminish in value."

Alexander agrees, adding that as a rule, most residents in East Texas towns are still active in extracurricular activities spawned by the district.

"Chances are you have family, friends or neighbors that have children in Bullard schools," Alexander said. "Of those who don't, we still see them out there, supporting our clubs and organizations, attending our athletic events and displaying a pride in our system.

"Bullard ISD is an integral part of the community. This isn't a bond just for fancy facilities, it will decide how we grow as a school and as a community in the foreseeable future."