Voters must say yes to the BISD bond

While most of us would rather reflect on the "good old days," we know change is inevitable. The question we must us ask is: Are we going to plan for it or will we sit back, see what happens and hope for the best?

That's why we applaud the stance the Bullard community has taken - beginning with the superintendent, then through the facilities committee to the trustees to a dedicated, progressive group of citizens who have taken action and is now devoting hours and money to the passing of a $28.5 million bond package. That's a big investment, but one that's desperately needed for the growth Bullard is facing.

We've watched this city preparing for the future. And we are watching them now working for something we can all believe in - a detailed, long-range plan that will keep our public education where it should be - above and beyond our neighbors.

No one at this newspaper has children at Bullard ISD, but we pay rent on a building in downtown Bullard to a property owner who then pays school tax. And while many taxpayers would like to think we're not affected because we have no vested interest ... well, that's about as wrong as just lying back and letting change happen. We - like so many lately, have put our house on the market so that we, too, can send our kids to Bullard schools.

A community is built on the strength of its schools.

How many of us have really thought about why everyone, everywhere suddenly wants to live in Bullard, Texas? Or why our population sign is about half of what the city believes the real population is.

You can't attribute it all to a natural outgrowth of Tyler.

Let's face it. When a family decides to move the first question is always, "What are the schools like?"

Bullard residents know the answer; it's because we have a top-notch school system - one that parents will move to - even extending their own commute or taking a lesser-paying job to do what comes naturally - giving your children the best they can - which begins with a strong education.

Bullard has consistently delivered in the academic area. The district administration and school board rarely make the news. There's little controversy, few safety concerns and good solid education, so where's the story there? Ironically, that's where the story is. These guys are doing something right. And we have to support them by voting for the $28.5 million bond proposal.

That the board made the bold step in not separating the proposal into two choices: one strictly academic and one more extracurricular should be applauded. It's a risky move, but they are betting that taxpayers know a good investment when they see one.

Bullard Superintendent Jim Wright said the growth Bullard is seeing is definitely a mix of retirees in such places and Emerald Bay and Eagles Bluff to families - like the ones who are living in Legacy Estates, Pecan Valley or the five subdivisions already platted both in and out of the city limits, but all in the school district.

And while the common argument for many retirees would be that they don't have children in our schools, they know the benefits of keeping their investment sound. Once a district falls behind growth, their investments begin to falter. Schools become overcrowded and districts erect portable buildings to react to the growth. This district - from administrators to teachers, staff and parents - must be affirmed for their forethought. They are embracing for growth, and so must we all.

We've watched this proposal go through the entire process. We've seen a dedicated, focused community that's embracing change. And we support it. You should, too.

We encourage you to vote for the bond. It's not just "for the children," it's for the future of Bullard.

Change is in indeed inevitable, and they have a sound plan for it.