Brownsville ISD citizens committee presents final facilities report, recommends $350 million bond package to address urgent repairs and upgrades

At a public presentation of the Brownsville ISD Citizens Facility Committee, co-chairs Rusty Brochaux and Henry Lavier presented a final facilities report that recommends a general-purpose bond package of about $350 million to address districtwide capital needs including roofing, HVAC, major campus renovations, bus fleet replacement, a new transportation building, and ongoing technology and safety upgrades.

The committee's finance subcommittee recommended structuring the package so the district's debt tax rate would remain at its current level (the report cites a 24¢ debt tax rate), saying property-value growth makes a $350 million issuance feasible without raising the debt rate. Alex Cepidis, representing the finance subcommittee, said the subcommittee's analysis assumed the $350 million figure and noted the board will still decide whether to call a bond election and how to compose propositions.

The committee presented a prioritized list of projects and price estimates drawn from architect and engineering work and subcommittee assessments. Highlights and near-term priorities in the report include:

- Roofing and HVAC: The final assessment identifies roofing work at 15 elementary…