By Keith Owen, Superintendent
The San Saba Independent School District (SSISD) Board of Trustees unanimously voted last Thursday to call a bond election for Saturday, May 3, 2025, offering the community an opportunity to vote on the proposed school facility improvements. This decision follows months of careful planning and potentially represents the district's first bond election to pass in 14 years.
The bond proposal contains two separate propositions that address facility improvements, safety upgrades, and educational enhancements across the district:
• Proposition A ($14.7 million) - Includes safety and security upgrades at all campuses, construction of a new band hall, development of a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) facility, playground at the elementary, and renovation of the former third and fourth-grade building, repurposing it for elementary and secondary support programs.
• Proposition B ($14.34 million) - Provides for the construction of a new 600-seat auditorium/performing arts center and relocation of the weight room.
'The Board's decision to call this bond election reflects our commitment to maintaining educational excellence while addressing critical facility needs,' said Kevin Shahan, SSISD Board President. 'These proposed improvements were identified through a thorough, community-driven assessment process.'
The bond package was developed following a year-long evaluation led by a 25-member Facility Planning Committee comprising parents, educators, business leaders, and community members. The committee conducted comprehensive reviews of all district facilities, demographic projections, financial considerations, and educational requirements before presenting their recommendations to the Board.
'The proposed bond projects focus on creating learning environments that promote safety, support academic achievement, and provide opportunities for student growth in multiple areas,' said Superintendent Keith Owen. 'These improvements will help us continue delivering the high-quality education our community expects while planning responsibly for future needs.'
Financial Impact
If voters approve both propositions, the maximum estimated tax impact on a homeowner with a $200,000 property will be approximately $25 per month. Importantly, taxpayers 65 years and older who have filed for an over-65 homestead exemption will not see an increase in their school district property tax rates or the dollar amount they pay on their homestead due to this bond, as their school taxes are frozen by law.
Important Dates
• Last Day to Register to Vote: Thursday, April 3, 2025
• Early Voting: Tuesday, April 22 through Tuesday, April 29, 2025
• Election Day: Saturday, May 3, 2025, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Community Information Campaign
In the coming weeks, SSISD will launch a comprehensive information campaign to ensure voters have access to factual information about the bond propositions. Detailed information will also be available on the district's website at www.san-saba.net, through informational mailers, and via the district's social media platforms.
'We encourage all community members to take advantage of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about the bond proposals and to have their questions answered,' said Superintendent Owen. 'Ensuring our voters are fully informed is a top priority for us.'