Tag Archives: bonds

Can HISD pass the next bond?

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

It depends. After Houston ISD’s historic bond failure in November, several parents, teachers and community members are wondering if or when the state’s largest school district will go back to voters to place another measure on the ballot. […] Some … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024, School days | Tagged Barack Obama, Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Election 2012, Election 2024, Election 2025, Harris County, HISD, Houston, Judith Cruz, Kamala Harris, Mike Miles, precinct analysis, Texas Education Agency | 1 Comment

Mike Miles is disappointed in us

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

So sorry. Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles called voters’ rejection of the district’s proposed $4.4 billion school bond — the largest school bond in Texas history — “unfortunate and wrong” in a statement Tuesday. Miles conceded the bond election after … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024 | Tagged Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Election 2024, HISD, Houston, Mike Miles, New Education System, schools | 3 Comments

A brief list of things I’ll be watching for today

Posted on November 5, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

In no particular order… 1. I don’t expect Democrats to win statewide in Texas. It would be great, it would do a world of good, but I’d be setting myself up for disappointment if I start there. What I want … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024 | Tagged abortion, Amarillo, Amarillo Reproductive Freedom Alliance, bond referendum, bonds, Brazoria County, CD03, CD15, CD21, CD24, CD38, Colin Allred, Collin County, Comal County, Congress, Donald Trump, Election 2024, Harris County, HD108, HD112, HD118, HD121, HD37, HD80, HISD, Houston, Kamala Harris, Montgomery County, President, Senate, Tarrant County, Ted Cruz, Texas, The Lege, turnout | 3 Comments

Fundraising for the HISD bond

Posted on October 22, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

I’ve been waiting for a story about the pro-bond campaign, and here one is. For Roland Garcia, voting in favor of Houston ISD’s proposed $4.4 billion bond is a no-brainer. Garcia, a grandparent of two students at Houston ISD’s Harvard … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024 | Tagged Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Election 2024, fundraising, HISD, Houston, Houstonians for Great Public Schools, Houstonians for Safe and Healthy Schools, Mike Miles | 5 Comments

Endorsement watch: The Chron gets on the “no trust, no bond” train

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

Wow. The students of HISD shouldn’t have to worry if traces of lead are seeping into the water, past the district’s jerry-rigged mitigation efforts. Or whether a troubled individual with a semi-automatic can slip past a lack of fencing and … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024 | Tagged Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Election 2024, endorsements, HISD, Houston, Mike Miles, Mike Morath, Texas Education Agency | 2 Comments

HISD cornucopia

Posted on October 12, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

Too much news, too little time, so a-rounding up we go… Houston coalitions hold dueling press conferences to support, oppose HISD’s $4.4B school bond HISD parents, Houston’s NAACP branch, the Houston Federation of Teachers, the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor … Continue reading →

Posted in School days | Tagged AFL-CIO, Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Children at Risk, Chris Brown, Community Voices for Public Education, Election 2024, HCDP, HFT, HISD, Houston, Houston Food Bank, Mike Miles, NAACP, New Education System, schools, Texas Education Agency, Wendell Robbins | 5 Comments

The cost of the HISD bond

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

I feel like this would be getting less attention if it weren’t for Mike Miles. Houston ISD’s $4.4 billion school bond would add an estimated $8.9 billion in debt for the district over more than 30 years if approved by … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024, School days | Tagged Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Election 2024, HISD, Houston, Mike Miles | 18 Comments

HCDP opposes the HISD bond

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

I have no idea where they’re going to get the votes for this thing. Both the Harris County Democratic and Republican Party executive committees have unanimously voted in favor of resolutions opposing the largest school bond in state history, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024, School days | Tagged bond referendum, bonds, Community Voices for Public Education, Dani Hernandez, Election 2024, Greater Houston Partnership, Harris County, HCDP, HFT, HGLBT Political Caucus, HISD, Houston, Houstonians for Great Public Schools, LULAC, NAACP, Placido Gomez, Republican Party, Ruth Kravetz, schools | 3 Comments

The yarn-based activists against the HISD bond

Posted on September 24, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

I don’t know how big this group is, but they are visible. Jessica Catrett sat cross-legged on the grass beside Sophie Grace-Rojas, a Project Chrysalis Middle School student, with bundles of yarn on a breezy Sunday morning outside the Houston … Continue reading →

Posted in School days | Tagged bond referendum, bonds, Election 2024, HISD, Houston, Houston Stitching Together, Mike Miles, schools, yarn bombing | 1 Comment

Different HISD bond referendum poll, different result

Posted on August 29, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

Not a big surprise, but that doesn’t mean one is right and the other is wrong. Just days apart, two polls related to Houston ISD’s proposed $4.4 billion school bond forecast clashing results, with a new survey released Tuesday suggesting … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024, School days | Tagged bond referendum, bonds, Election 2024, HFT, HISD, Houston, Mike Miles, New Education System, polls, property taxes, schools, Texas AFT | 3 Comments

That “poll” of the HISD bond referendum

Posted on August 26, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

I’m sorry, but this doesn’t tell us anything. Houston ISD voters are overwhelmingly willing to support a school bond package to upgrade campuses throughout the district, according to polling released Thursday, though questions remain about whether residents will back a … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024, School days | Tagged bond referendum, bonds, Election 2007, Election 2012, Election 2024, HISD, Houston, Mike Miles, New Education System, polls, schools | 2 Comments

Anti-endorsement watch: Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, LULAC Council to oppose HISD bond

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

It’s officially campaign season here now. The Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus and the League of United Latin American Citizens Council 60 are both urging voters to reject Houston ISD’s $4.4 billion school bond proposal in November. In separate, recent statements, … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024 | Tagged bond referendum, bonds, Election 2024, endorsements, HGLBT Political Caucus, HISD, Houston, LULAC, Mike Miles, NAACP, Texas Education Agency | Comments Off

HISD approves the bond referendum for November

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

I expect there will be some vigorous campaigning over this. I’ll be very interested to see how much money gets raised and spent. Houston ISD will ask voters in November to pass the biggest school bond package in Texas history, … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024, School days | Tagged Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Community Voices for Public Education, CTE centers, Election 2024, HISD, Houston, Mike Miles, Mike Morath, Rolando Martinez, Texas Education Agency | 3 Comments

Still discussing the HISD bond proposal

Posted on July 19, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

There could still be changes, if the Board of Managers decides to do something other than be the usual rubber stamp. About three weeks before its potential vote, Houston ISD’s Board of Managers held a special meeting Tuesday to question … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024, School days | Tagged Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Cassandra Bandy, CTE centers, Election 2024, HISD, Houston, Janette Lindner, Mike Miles | Comments Off

Bond spending so far

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

HISD is presumably going to spend some amount of money to get its bond passed. It has already spent some money putting the bond package together. Houston ISD has spent at least $700,000 developing and promoting its $4.4 school bond … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024, School days | Tagged Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Election 2024, HISD, Houston, Mike Miles, New Education System, schools, Texas Education Agency | Comments Off

The HISD bond committee has some feedback

Posted on July 7, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

Don’t we all. Houston ISD should provide more communication and transparency around its $4.4 billion school bond proposal, including plans for pre-K expansion and co-locations of several campuses, before a potential vote in November, according to a recent advisory committee … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024, School days | Tagged Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, CTE centers, Election 2024, Garnet Coleman, HISD, Houston, Judith Cruz, Mike Miles | 1 Comment

More on “No trust, no bond”

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

I’m still inclined to vote for the HISD bond, but I’m listening to the opposition and am very interested in seeing what traction they can get. Several HISD teachers, parents and community members say they are planning to cast their … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024, School days | Tagged Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Election 1998, Election 2002, Election 2007, Election 2012, Election 2024, HFT, HISD, Houston, Jackie Anderson, Mike Miles, New Education System, polls, schools, Sylvester Turner, Texas Education Agency | 4 Comments

On the bonds and closing or not closing schools

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

This is a very complicated issue. Two decades ago, children crowded the halls of Houston ISD’s Attucks and Cullen middle schools, historic campuses located two miles apart on the city’s south side. Since then, hundreds of families have fled the … Continue reading →

Posted in School days | Tagged Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Election 2024, Grenita Lathan, HISD, Houston, Mike Miles, Mike Morath, Millard House, schools, Texas Education Agency | 9 Comments

Council approves bond deal for firefighter back pay

Posted on June 13, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

This is a big component of the firefighter pay deal, just not the whole thing. Houston City Council approved Wednesday a historic bond deal, estimated to cost taxpayers over $1 billion, to spread $650 million in backpay to firefighters over … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged bonds, budget, Chris Hollins, collective bargaining agreement, drainage, Edward Pollard, Election 2023, HFD, Houston, Houston City Controller, Houston City Council, HPD, HPFFA, John Whitmire, lawsuit, Marty Lancton, Mayor, Solid Waste Management Department, Sylvester Turner | 17 Comments

A closer look at the HISD bond proposal

Posted on June 9, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

From the Houston Landing, which put together five highlights from the proposal. 1. Elementary and middle schools to see the biggest upgrades All schools will see some level of investment under the bond plan, but elementary and middle schools will … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024, School days | Tagged Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Community Voices for Public Education, construction, Election 2024, HFT, HISD, Houston, Mike Miles, Mike Morath, pre-kindergarten, schools, Texas Education Agency | 26 Comments

HISD asks for $4.4 billion in bonds

Posted on June 2, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

That sure is a lot. Houston ISD unveiled a $4.4 billion bond proposal, the largest in HISD history and likely the largest package any Texas school district has taken to voters. Much of the bond, $2.05 billion, would go to … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024, School days | Tagged Al Green, Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, charter schools, Colorado, Community Voices for Public Education, Election 2024, HFT, HISD, Houston, Mike Miles, Mike Morath, NAACP, Ron Reynolds, schools, Sylvia Garcia, Texas Education Agency, Third Future Schools | 7 Comments

Is this an opportunity for cooperative cost savings?

Posted on May 16, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

Reading through this story about how Harris County is spending the public safety portion of its 2022 bond funds, I have a question. New Harris County law enforcement facilities are one step closer to breaking ground after Commissioners Court earlier … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment, Local politics | Tagged bond referendum, bonds, budget, construction, Election 2022, Harris County, Harris County Sheriff, Houston, HPD | Comments Off

So what is HISD going to do with this bond proposal?

Posted on April 13, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

I have no idea. I’m not sure they have any idea, either. Houston ISD officials are considering asking taxpayers to approve a multibillion-dollar bond in November, but Superintendent Mike Miles’ administration has yet to go through a widely used process … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2024, School days | Tagged Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Election 2024, HISD, Houston, Mike Miles, Mike Morath, schools, Texas Education Agency | 5 Comments

HISD’s current goals

Posted on March 31, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

They have ’em. Some I totally agree with. Others, well, we’ll see. Houston ISD is expected to expand several of its controversial reforms during the 2024-25 school year, according to a preliminary version of the district’s plans shared earlier this … Continue reading →

Posted in School days | Tagged Board of Managers, bond referendum, bonds, Election 2024, HISD, Houston, Mike Miles, New Education System, schools, Texas Education Agency | Comments Off

We’ll see what City Council makes of the firefighter pay agreement

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

There’s a bit of pushback happening. Mayor John Whitmire’s administration and officials from the Houston firefighters union are hoping to get final approval in May or June on a massive settlement deal to end their nearly decade-long contract stalemate. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged bonds, budget, collective bargaining agreement, Edward Pollard, HFD, Houston, HPFFA, John Whitmire, Marty Lancton, Mayor, pension obligation bonds, Sylvester Turner, Tiffany Thomas | 23 Comments

Price tag for firefighter back pay revealed

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

From the inbox: Mayor John Whitmire and the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association announced today a historic deal to end an eight-year impasse. The $650 million settlement to finally resolve the city’s looming liability addresses longstanding pay issues dating back … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged bonds, budget, collective bargaining agreement, HFD, Houston, HPFFA, John Whitmire, Marty Lancton, Mayor, pension obligation bonds, Sylvester Turner | 3 Comments

Firefighter back pay update

Posted on March 1, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

Just tell me what the bill’s gonna be. The city of Houston and its firefighters are nearing an agreement to resolve their bitter, yearslong pay dispute, with specifics expected to take additional weeks or months to finalize, according to city … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged Arturo Michel, bonds, budget, collective bargaining agreement, HFD, Houston, HPFFA, John Whitmire, Marty Lancton, Mayor, pension obligation bonds, Sylvester Turner | 1 Comment

Mayor Whitmire working with the firefighters

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Charles Kuffner

We’ll see what we get. In another step toward settling its years-long conflict with the city, the firefighters union met with Mayor John Whitmire’s administration [last] Friday morning to discuss the city’s first proposal for raises and back pay, with … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged bonds, budget, collective bargaining agreement, HFD, Houston, HPFFA, John Whitmire, Mayor, pension obligation bonds, Sylvester Turner | 1 Comment

2023 election results: Statewide

Posted on November 8, 2023 by Charles Kuffner

There are a few items of interest here, starting with this. Property tax cuts, a raise for retired teachers and billions in investments in infrastructure, research, tech and energy appeared headed for passage as voters showed their approval for more … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2023 | Tagged Aldine ISD, bond referendum, bonds, Cody Smith, Conroe ISD, Constitution, constitutional amendments, Don McLaughlin, Election 2023, Katy ISD, Kimberly Mata-Rubio, Midland, Texas, Uvalde | Comments Off

Interview with Lesley Briones about the Harris Health System bond referendum

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Charles Kuffner

Today’s interview is about a vital issue that I suspect has gotten far less attention than it deserves. I’m speaking of the $2.5 billion bond issue to expand, improve, and renovate the public hospitals and other facilities of the Harris … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2023 | Tagged bond referendum, bonds, Election 2023, Harris County, Harris County Hospital District, Harris Health System, interviews, Lesley Briones, Texas | Comments Off

Endorsement watch: For the hospital bond

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Charles Kuffner

Good call. It’s unacceptable for a public hospital whose mission is to save lives to instead endanger them due to aging infrastructure that’s been neglected for too long. The pipe break was the second of three in 2020. Just weeks … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2023 | Tagged Ben Taub Hospital, bond referendum, bonds, Constitution, constitutional amendments, construction, endorsements, farming, Harris County, Harris County Hospital District, Harris Health System, LBJ Hospital, Texas, Texas Farm Bureau, The Lege | 1 Comment

Harris Health bond officially on the ballot

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Charles Kuffner

Good. Harris County voters will be asked to approve a $2.5 billion bond issue from the Harris Health System to fund the rebuilding and upgrading of several hospital district facilities, including an expansion of Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. Harris County … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2023 | Tagged Ben Taub Hospital, bonds, Commissioners Court, construction, Election 2023, Harris County, Harris County Public Health Authority, hospitals, LBJ Hospital, Tom Ramsey | Comments Off

Harris Health moves closer to a bond issue

Posted on August 13, 2023 by Charles Kuffner

Almost certainly coming soon to a ballot near you. Harris County Commissioners on Tuesday briefly discussed a $2.5 billion bond proposal from the Harris Health System to fund the rebuilding and upgrading of several hospital district facilities, including the replacement … Continue reading →

Harris Health seeks bond issue

Posted on April 29, 2023 by Charles Kuffner

Probably on your ballot this November. Harris Health board members on Thursday unanimously agreed to move forward with a $2.5 billion bond proposal to build a new Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital and make what they say are sorely needed upgrades … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged Ben Taub Hospital, bonds, Commissioners Court, construction, Election 2023, Harris County, Harris County Public Health Authority, hospitals, LBJ Hospital | Comments Off

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