After reviewing a comprehensive report provided by the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee (see What is the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee? below.) and the Magellan K-12 study, the Board decided that a bond issue was needed and made the decision at its November 20, 2003 meeting to schedule the election.

What is the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee?

The citizen's Committee was comprised primarily of community members from across the District charged to study and determine the facility needs of the School District . The Committee reviewed information on each of the District's facilities and toured each site to see and hear first-hand from teachers, parents and administrators what improvements were needed. The Committee compiled a single report listing facility deficiencies to keep YISD facilities in-line with the District's goal of providing a quality education to all students. Together, the members collaboratively established recommendations for project priorities.

What is the Bond Oversight Committee (BOC)?

The BOC is comprised of volunteer community members and District staff. The Committee monitors and observes the plans and processes of the bond program to assure the Board and public that the representations made to secure passage of the bond programs are met.

What are the goals of the bond program?

Explain what you mean by equity? Will all schools have the same facilities after this bond is completed?

By equity we mean that we will use “fairness or standard of facilities” as the measure of what and where we are building. What this means is despite where a YISD student attends school, once all of the deficiencies listed in the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee's report is complete, students will find facilities at all campuses equal in quality, access and availability.

Is all of the work identified by the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee being completed under this bond?

No. The Committee's report identified over $500 million in facility deficiencies throughout the District. This bond issue is for $250 million to address the highest priorities as approved by the Board of Trustees.

Is every school getting something?

Every traditional campus is on the list. However, some school's needs are greater than others and all the projects are based on the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee's recommendations, prioritization and board approval.

Are you using local contractors and vendors?

Yes. All local contractors and vendors have been given the opportunity to submit bids. We have conducted workshops to help vendors learn how to submit their bids effectively and on time. Currently, the district has employed fifteen different architectural firms and twelve general contracting companies to complete bond projects (as of October 2005).

How long will these improvements last?

We believe our schools can last forty years, minimum. As our current maintenance program has shown, most of our schools are functioning well beyond the 40 year normal lifespan.

Will all the portable buildings be removed from our campuses?

It is the District's intention to minimize the number of portable buildings at all campuses. Some, however, may remain on campuses to accommodate growing student populations and new programs/initiatives to address student success.

What is the status of construction at my school?

Project information is available online at http://www.yisd.net. Through the Bond link, one can find updates on project status for each campus. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Director of Public Relations Patricia Ayala at 915-434-0693.

What safety precautions are taken during construction?

Safety of students is the District's number one priority during construction. Safety/security fencing is placed around all construction sites to provide a barrier between the student population and the job site. Contractors are prohibited from interacting with any students and are not allowed to consume alcohol or tobacco on District property.

In addition, there is continuous supervision of all workers. Every contractor on site is required to have an identification badge. Work inside operating facilities is scheduled after hours or during school breaks to avoid interaction between students and contractors. All other state and city regulations are enforced.

Who is assigned to oversee my school's project from the District?

Are there plans for another bond issue?

Although the District has made great strides in providing quality facilities for our students, there still is much to be done. The District is continuously working on ways to improve its facilities to offer the best possible learning environment for all students. The Board of Trustees may elect to pursue another bond election to complete the remaining $250 million in facility improvements identified in the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee report, that are not included in the current bond program.