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Pecos school district official rebuts council member remark, outlines recent investments
Summary
A representative of PBT ISD told the council Aug. 28 that the district has invested in facilities, traffic improvements and community programs, rebutting a prior council remark and saying the district has already "put skin in the game" in Pecos.
Brent Jaco spoke during public comment on Aug. 28 representing PBT ISD and the school board to rebut a statement made at a previous council meeting that questioned whether entities like the school or hospital had "skin in the game." Jaco said the district has funded and completed two bonds that will pay off facilities by 2028, built and delivered buildings on time and under budget, and generated significant local economic activity.
Jaco told council the 2021 bond is already paid off and saved local taxpayers about $76 million in interest payments; the two bonds generated more than $800 million in economic activity and $16 million in local and state taxes, and paid over $1.1 million in permanent fees to the city of Pecos. He also listed local contributions such as funding a $450,000 traffic signal, paved sidewalks, leased land for east-side improvements, and annual contributions to a local cleanup initiative (Pecos Proud) of more than $70,000.
Jaco urged the council to avoid finger-pointing and instead focus on progress, noting the district provides after-school care, free meals, and staff housing and recently opened the Discovery School for Pecos residents. He also criticized a council proposal to take an 8% pay raise and insurance while cutting contributions to city employees— health insurance, saying the district has long supported community infrastructure and services.
