NEISD board approves order calling $495 million bond election after debate over debt, transparency and Chromebooks

The Northeast Independent School District board voted 6-1 to adopt an order calling a $495,000,000 bond election, approving language for five propositions and setting the district on a path toward a November ballot if voters authorize the measure.

The vote followed public comments and an extended discussion in which speakers pressed the board for more public notice and transparency, questioned whether all projects in the package are "must-haves," and raised concern about the district's existing debt load and how technology purchases are structured.

Parent John Melendez, who spoke in a personal capacity, told trustees, "this isn't free money." Melendez said the proposal is a loan that taxpayers must repay with interest and urged the board to ensure the district is funding needs rather than "luxuries," noting the bond package includes "more than 270 projects." He also cited a court decision in Hays County that voided a bond for Open Meetings Act violations to underline risks when public notice and agenda clarity are lacking.

District officials and the facility…