Caddo Schools Have Serious Needs

Caddo schools will ask voters to extend a property tax millage for 10 years to pay for several critical needs in local schools.

The plan was outlined during a meeting with members of the media.

The .6 mill would generate about 88 million dollars over the 10 year stretch. This millage was scheduled to roll off the books next year, but leaders want to keep it on the books to cover some vital needs.

The money would be used for 3 priorities:

1. New buses

The Board wants to buy 250 buses over the next 10 years.  By law, more than 220 buses have to be retired over the next 6 years.  These buses must be replaced to continue providing adequate transportation for all students.

2. HVAC

The money would also be used to upgrade heating an air conditioning systems in all schools.  The system currently spends $8 million dollars a year to make repairs to heating and air systems and that pricetag continues to go up.

3. Security

Another piece of the money would be used to beef up security in our schools. This would include access control and single entry points at all schools for visitors.  It would also include an upgrad to camera systems and software.

Here's what we are told will be the breakdown of the money:

$51 million will be used for HVAC, $25 million for buses and $12 million for security.

Though the language in the bond proposal will also say something about aquiring land, KEEL News has been told there is no intent at all to purchase any land.  We are told this language is something required by the bond attorneys.

How much will this cost the average taxpayer? For a home valued at $160,000, you would pay about $5.10 per year.

The millage will be on the ballot on May 4th.