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Most candidates back Stafford MSD $150 million bond after district scaled proposal
Summary
Candidates at a Stafford forum expressed broad support for a $150 million Stafford Municipal School District bond on the May ballot, with several stressing fiscal oversight and the vote of the public.
Candidates at a Fort Bend Chamber forum generally said they support placing the Stafford Municipal School District’s $150 million bond on the May ballot and encouraged voters to decide.
Horace Ray Thomas said he met with district leaders during negotiations and supported the scaled-down proposal, noting the bond had been reduced from an earlier $200 million figure: “We started out with over $200,000,000 and we whittled it down to a hundred and $50,000,000… I wholeheartedly support the bond initiative,” he said.
Christopher Caldwell also endorsed the bond, saying improved school facilities create a “ripple effect” that can help attract families and raise property values. Several other candidates — including William Bosley and Clay Foster — said they would vote for the propositions and urged support to strengthen enrollment and the district’s long-term prospects.
Some candidates warned of headwinds. William Bosley and others noted declining population and potential state voucher programs and charter/private-school competition as long-term enrollment risks. One candidate said the district carried roughly $89 million in existing debt, a figure mentioned as context for voters evaluating additional borrowing.
No formal city action on the bond was taken at the forum. The Fort Bend Chamber encouraged votes for the Stafford Municipal School District bond propositions on the May ballot and reminded attendees of early voting dates and Election Day.
