Letters to the editor - 3

Many of the citizens of Alvin have written letters to the editors of the local newspapers favoring the Alvin ISD Bond and encouraging everyone to vote in favor of this bond. We'll be publishing a few of them here, in case you missed them.

September  25, 2013

Dear Editor,

Alvin ISD, parts of which are on the west side of Pearland,  is one of the fastest growing school districts in the Houston area and has done a good job of keeping up with the growth over the last decade. We must help continue that trend so that overcrowding can be prevented, appropriate buildings and classrooms can be provided, travel distances between home and school can be limited, our investment in our school facilities can be protected and personal property values can be strengthened.  Investing in our schools is an investment in our community because appropriate and attractive school buildings are the centers of the community. They reflect our community’s values and they protect property values. They are an investment in our children, our community, and our future.

There are parts of Alvin ISD that are in the city limits of Pearland. Specifically, the Shadow Creek Ranch, Southern Trail and Pearland Town Center area where Alvin ISD has land designated for a third high school. A bond election will be held on November 5, 2013 that includes construction of the third Alvin ISD high school and much more. All of the projects will improve our children’s learning environments , equip our students for college and a competitive workplace with upgraded technology,  keep pace with the growth of our district by building new schools and protect our children with enhanced safety and security at all campuses. A complete list of all the projects can be founded at www.alvinisd.net.

Keeping up is much more cost-effective than catching up and keeping up with growth, something Alvin ISD has done extremely well, is much more cost-effective than the

alternative. Our school leaders would not be asking taxpayers for these funds if they weren’t critical to the long-term health of our schools. They’ve done their homework. Our school leaders are making the best decisions for students and taxpayers. We have good people running our school district who understand the need to stretch every tax dollar to its limit. Alvin ISD leaders, who are taxpayers themselves, are making the best decisions possible with our dollars. That’s why the state of Texas gives Alvin ISD a Superior Achievement Rating for fiscal responsibility.

So what is the  projected tax impact? The average homeowner will see an increase of no more than $11.22 a month and if you are 65 years of age or over, your taxes will not increase as a result of this bond election. The school tax rate and the amount paid are frozen when a taxpayer turns 65 years old, but you must request this status by contacting the Brazoria County Appraisal District  at http://www.brazoriacad.org or  call (979) 849-7792. I urge you to study the proposal and vote yes on November 5. Early voting starts October 21. To learn more, go to www.voteyesalvinisdbond.com.

Shirley Brothers