After failed bond, Manor ISD superintendent outlines survey, reprioritization and potential funding shifts
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Summary
Superintendent said the needs identified in the failed 2025 bond remain and proposed stakeholder surveys, reallocation of some 2019 bond interest, and a January recommendation on timing for a future bond proposal; several safety projects remain unfunded.
Manor Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Sarmani told trustees Monday that, although voters rejected the district’s 2025 bond proposal, the district’s facility and safety needs remain and the administration will consult stakeholders before returning with a recommendation to the board.
"A bond election fails doesn't mean the needs went away," Dr. Sarmani said, urging trustees and staff to gather survey data from the community and staff so administrators can determine whether changes to the bond content or the messaging are needed before proposing another election. He said he expects to bring a recommendation to the board by the January meeting on whether to pursue a future bond and possible timing (May 2026, May 2027 or other).
Administration identified three safety projects that were dependent on bond funds and currently lack an alternative funding source, including a proposed layout change at Manor New Tech High School aimed at improving safety and elementary‑school fencing and camera upgrades. Dr. Sarmani recommended holding approximately $1.3 million in unspent 2019 bond interest — money previously earmarked for athletics and an amphitheater — as a potential source to address deferred maintenance, subject to a future board vote.
He also warned of escalating costs: administration estimates construction escalation and inflation could increase future bond costs (the presentation referenced a 4% escalation assumption). The superintendent said the district has roughly $100 million in deferred maintenance needs over the next six to eight years that lack a funding source, and that some short‑term choices could include consolidating programs, adjusting transportation routes, and reducing contracted services to preserve core instructional functions.
The superintendent asked trustees to weigh tradeoffs and directed staff to convene stakeholder groups and run surveys so the board has clearer data on community priorities before a new bond proposition is drafted.