Questions

To be determined

By law, bond funds cannot be used for payroll expenses or any daily operational costs such as utilities, supplies, fuel, and insurance.  Instead, bond funds can only be used for new buildings, additions and renovations, land acquisition, technology infrastructure and equipment, or school buses.

The estimated cost to renovate Lincoln MS is about $117 million.  The estimated cost to renovate Jefferson MS is about $209 million.  The district and Bond Advisory Committee determined it made more fiscal sense to build new.

Port Arthur ISD’s debt tax rate will NOT increase if these bond proposals are approved by voters. However, state law requires every school district to include the statement “This is a Property Tax Increase” on the ballot, regardless of the actual impact on the district’s tax rate.

A school district’s tax rate is comprised of two components or “buckets”. The first bucket is the Maintenance and Operations budget (M&O), which funds daily costs and recurring or consumable expenditures such as teacher and staff salaries, supplies, software and utilities. The second bucket is the Interest and Sinking budget (I&S), also known as Debt Service, and that is for longer-term capital improvements approved by voters through bond elections. I&S funds cannot by law be used to pay M&O expenses, which means that voter-approved bonds cannot be used to increase teacher salaries or pay rising costs for utilities and services.

No.  No one, no matter his/her age, will have a tax rate increase for this election.  In addition, by law, if you receive an Age 65 or Older Exemption, your homestead tax rate cannot be raised above the frozen level unless you make significant improvements to your home.  A significant improvement would be anything beyond normal maintenance or repair, such as building a swimming pool or adding a garage or game room.

Under state law, if you have applied for and received the Age 65 Freeze on your homestead, your school taxes CANNOT be raised above their frozen level unless you make significant improvements or additions to your home. To apply for the Age 65 freeze, contact your county’s Central Appraisal District.

Early voting takes place from April 22 to April 29, and you can cast a ballot at any voting location during this time. Election Day is Saturday, May 3. Visit the Jefferson County Elections website for a list of polling locations.

Anyone at least 18 years of age and living within the boundaries of Port Arthur ISD is eligible to vote.  You must be registered by April 3, 2025 in order to participate in this election.

You can check your voter registration status at www.votetexas.gov.

If you need to update your address, you can simply fill out the change online.

The proposed location for the new middle school has not yet been finalized. District Administration–along with the Board of Trustees–is currently reviewing potential sites, considering factors such as:  land availability, accessibility for students and staff, traffic conditions/scenarios, proximity to existing infrastructure, and potential impact on the surrounding community. Public input will be a crucial part of this process, and we are committed to transparently communicating the options and rationale for the final decision.

The selection process for the principal of the new consolidated middle school will be a rigorous and transparent one. The district will form a selection committee composed of a diverse group of stakeholders, including teachers, parents, administrators, and community members. The committee will review applications, conduct interviews, and make recommendations to the Superintendent, who will then make the final decision. The selection criteria will emphasize experience in middle school administration and instructional leadership, a commitment to fostering a positive school culture, and a proven ability to build relationships with students, staff, and parents.

While renovating or rebuilding the existing schools in their current locations was considered, a comprehensive analysis revealed several key limitations. First, the cost of renovating both schools, as proposed, exceeds the cost of constructing a new state-of-the-art facility that is designed to maximize learning and teaching for 2025 and beyond. Second, the current infrastructure of both schools is outdated, making it difficult to incorporate modern educational technology and flexible learning spaces. Third, construction at either site would significantly disrupt the educational process for the students for an extended period. Finally, building a single, modern school allows for improved resource allocation, shared facilities like libraries and athletic spaces, and the creation of grade-level learning communities (pods). We believe a new consolidated school allows for a more efficient and beneficial use of taxpayer dollars.

Funds allocated for repairs and updates to Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Middle Schools have been utilized, and necessary repairs to ensure the continued safe operation of the schools. Lincoln Fine Arts is an example of the district's investment in its students and programs.  Thomas Jefferson auditorium is currently under repair.  However, these repairs and updates have addressed immediate needs and are not a long-term solution for the infrastructure. As both schools have come to the end of their useful life, the district's goal is to provide the best learning environment possible.

Teacher recruitment and retention are top priorities for Port Arthur ISD. The district is actively implementing a multi-faceted approach, including:

1.  Competitive Compensation and Benefits: We are continuously evaluating our compensation packages to ensure they are competitive with other districts in the region, including signing bonuses for high-need areas.
2. Professional Development: We offer high-quality, ongoing professional development opportunities to support teacher growth and enhance their skills.
3. Supportive Work Environment: We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive school culture where teachers feel valued and respected. This includes providing mentoring programs for new teachers and creating opportunities for collaboration and leadership development.
4. Targeted Recruitment: We actively recruit teachers from a variety of sources, including university partnerships, job fairs, and online platforms. We also have programs to recruit and support paraprofessionals in becoming certified teachers.

           We recognize that teacher quality is essential to student success; and we are committed to build a strong, dedicated, and talented workforce to serve our students. PAISD is one of 19 school districts, out of 1,200, who participate in social security benefits, which is an addition to retirement benefits through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).  Our employees can become eligible to receive both types of income upon retirement if they qualify.  That’s a big deal!

Comment:  The words “might”, “could” and “can” seem to jump off the page for me.  

Response: These are valid concerns that demand careful consideration. However, to evaluate this, we must also consider other factors. The above perspective offers valuable caution regarding the proposed bond. It correctly identifies that a new building alone is not a guarantee of improved outcomes, and that a strong vision, sound planning, and committed execution are essential. The emphasis on addressing underlying issues before expecting change is a critical point. This highlights the risk of simply moving the problems, rather than solving them. We agree that if the focus is solely on a new building and fails to account for the old issues, the money is poorly spent.

However, the above argument represents one side of a complex equation. Consider these additional perspectives:

1. Impact of Environment: The physical environment significantly impacts learning. The existing middle schools, built in 1919 and 1959, likely present challenges in terms of technology integration, safety, accessibility, and even basic infrastructure. The commenter is correct to warn that a new building is not a quick solution to a difficult problem; but the right physical environment is a prerequisite for any vision.
2. Holistic Improvement: The bond proposal should not be viewed in isolation. While a new building alone is insufficient, it should ideally be part of a comprehensive district improvement plan. This plan should include:
3. Curriculum Reform: Implementation of modern, engaging curriculum aligned with 21st-century skills.
4. Teacher Development: Ongoing professional development focused on best teaching practices, differentiated instruction, and incorporating technology effectively.
5. Administrative Leadership: Strong, visionary leadership at all levels, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
6. Community Engagement: Partnerships with parents, businesses, and the wider community to create a supportive learning environment.
7. Student Support Systems: Robust programs addressing students' social, emotional, and academic needs.
8. Cost-Benefit Analysis: While renovating the existing buildings may seem cheaper, it is not.  A detailed cost analysis revealed it would cost over $300 million to renovate both facilities. The long-term operational and maintenance costs, potential limitations of the existing structures (e.g., outdated HVAC systems, insufficient space), and the impact on student safety and morale is also cause for concern.
9. Opportunity for Innovation: A new, modern building provides an opportunity to implement innovative educational models, such as flexible learning spaces, collaborative environments, and cutting-edge technology integration. This could support a shift to new teaching styles.
10. Long-Term Vision: A $300 million dollar bond is a massive investment in the district, and the benefits should be visible for decades. However, it is essential to ensure that the new building and all of its elements are flexible enough to adjust and cater to the dynamic nature of education and technologies in the future.

Our community’s points are well-taken: the bond will not guarantee success. It is essential for Port Arthur ISD to demonstrate a clear vision for improving the district beyond simply building a new school. This vision should address curriculum, teacher training, leadership, and community engagement. 

However, replacing aging infrastructure with a modern, safe, and functional learning environment is also an important component of improvement. A truly effective solution requires a holistic plan, where the new building is one piece of a broader strategy, and where the underlying systemic issues are actively addressed. 

We understand your concern about consolidating two middle schools into one and the potential for creating bigger problems. Change can be unsettling, and it's natural to worry about the impact on students and the school environment. However, we believe a consolidated middle school with a pod structure for each grade level offers significant advantages that can actually address, rather than exacerbate, existing issues. Here's why a pod structure can be beneficial:

1. Enhanced Resources and Opportunities: Combining resources allows for a richer educational experience. We can pool funding for specialized programs, advanced courses, and extracurricular activities, such as clubs and sports. This means a wider range of opportunities for all students, regardless of their previous school.
2. Improved Teacher Collaboration and Professional Development: A larger staff allows for greater collaboration between teachers. They can share best practices, develop more comprehensive curricula, and benefit from a broader range of professional development opportunities. This ultimately leads to improved instruction and a more supportive learning environment for students.
3. Social and Emotional Benefits: A single school can foster a stronger sense of community. A consolidated middle school can provide a more diverse student body, leading to more varied peer interaction, and helping to develop a greater understanding of people with differing backgrounds.
4. Addressing Inequality and Resource Distribution: Merging schools can help balance resources and address any existing inequalities. It ensures that all students have access to the same quality of teachers, technology, and facilities, regardless of their previous school.
5. Grade-Level Pods to Mitigate Concerns: The pod structure, with separate spaces and dedicated staff for each grade level (6th, 7th, and 8th), directly addresses concerns about a large school feeling impersonal. Each pod functions as a smaller, self-contained, school-within-a-school. Students will have a consistent cohort, a dedicated team of teachers familiar with their specific developmental needs, and a sense of belonging within their grade level. This structure maintains the benefits of a larger school, while preserving the personalized attention and support of a smaller school.
6. Space for Growth and Specialization: A larger school can provide better facilities for programs like art, music, and specialized electives. There is the potential for specialized labs for subjects like science and computer science, allowing for deeper exploration.

While change always presents challenges, the potential benefits of a consolidated middle school with a pod structure are compelling. With careful planning, skillful implementation, and ongoing evaluations, we can ultimately create a learning environment that enriches the educational experience for all students, fostering a sense of community, and preparing them for success in high school and beyond. We are committed to working with parents, teachers, and the community to ensure a smooth transition and to address any concerns that arise throughout the process.

Response: These are valid concerns that demand careful consideration. However, to evaluate this, we must also consider other factors. The above perspective offers valuable caution regarding the proposed bond. It correctly identifies that a new building alone is not a guarantee of improved outcomes, and that a strong vision, sound planning, and committed execution are essential. The emphasis on addressing underlying issues before expecting change is a critical point. This highlights the risk of simply moving the problems, rather than solving them. We agree that if the focus is solely on a new building and fails to account for the old issues, the money is poorly spent.

However, the above argument represents one side of a complex equation. Consider these additional perspectives:

1. Impact of Environment: The physical environment significantly impacts learning. The existing middle schools, built in 1919 and 1959, likely present challenges in terms of technology integration, safety, accessibility, and even basic infrastructure. The commenter is correct to warn that a new building is not a quick solution to a difficult problem; but the right physical environment is a prerequisite for any vision.

2. Holistic Improvement: The bond proposal should not be viewed in isolation. While a new building alone is insufficient, it should ideally be part of a comprehensive district improvement plan. This plan should include:

a. Curriculum Reform: Implementation of modern, engaging curriculum aligned with 21st-century skills.
b. Teacher Development: Ongoing professional development focused on best teaching practices, differentiated instruction, and incorporating technology effectively.
c. Administrative Leadership: Strong, visionary leadership at all levels, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
d. Community Engagement: Partnerships with parents, businesses, and the wider community to create a supportive learning environment.
e. Student Support Systems: Robust programs addressing students' social, emotional, and academic needs.
f. Cost-Benefit Analysis: While renovating the existing buildings may seem cheaper, it is not. A detailed cost analysis revealed it would cost over $300 million to renovate both facilities. The long-term operational and maintenance costs, potential limitations of the existing structures (e.g., outdated HVAC systems, insufficient space), and the impact on student safety and morale is also cause for concern.
g. Opportunity for Innovation: A new, modern building provides an opportunity to implement innovative educational models, such as flexible learning spaces, collaborative environments, and cutting-edge technology integration. This could support a shift to new teaching styles.
h. Long-Term Vision: A $300 million dollar bond is a massive investment in the district, and the benefits should be visible for decades. However, it is essential to ensure that the new building and all of its elements are flexible enough to adjust and cater to the dynamic nature of education and technologies in the future.

Our community’s points are well-taken: the bond will not guarantee success. It is essential for Port Arthur ISD to demonstrate a clear vision for improving the district beyond simply building a new school. This vision should address curriculum, teacher training, leadership, and community engagement.

However, replacing aging infrastructure with a modern, safe, and functional learning environment is also an important component of improvement. A truly effective solution requires a holistic plan, where the new building is one piece of a broader strategy, and where the underlying systemic issues are actively addressed.

The location of the athletic complex is still under discussion. We have several potential options in mind, but we want to ensure that the new stadium is situated in a prime location while also acquiring the land at a reasonable cost. We are committed to making a decision that best serves our community's needs, updates will be provided as discussions progress.

The new middle school will consolidate both existing middle schools.

The Port Arthur Independent School District has some of the most beautiful facilities in our community.  We have done an excellent job at maintaining our facilities over the decades.  However, we understand the buildings that are in question are aging.  Thomas Jefferson is 65 years old and Abraham Lincoln is over 100 years old.  The infrastructure is not adequate enough for education today, in the year 2025.

PAISD has a proven track record of strength and knowledge in the area of oversight of finances, especially when it comes to bonds.  We had a very successful 2014 bond; past, present and future, we have independent outside auditors monitoring and auditing all expenditures of the bond proceeds and advising our business office every step of the way.

The district has done an excellent job at exposing our students, especially at Abraham Lincoln, to the arts.  The proposed bond addresses facility needs, not academic needs.  We provide the necessary supplies to ensure our arts courses are fully equipped.  We, along with the entire United States, are experiencing a shortage of certified, experienced teachers in all content areas–especially fine arts, bilingual and special education.  We have been–and will continue to–aggressively recruit, hire, and then train and support teachers in PAISD.

The district has done an excellent job at exposing our students, especially at Abraham Lincoln, to the arts.  The proposed bond addresses facility needs, not academic needs.  We provide the necessary supplies to ensure our arts courses are fully equipped.  We, along with the entire United States, are experiencing a shortage of certified, experienced teachers in all content areas–especially fine arts, bilingual and special education.  We have been–and will continue to–aggressively recruit, hire, and then train and support teachers in PAISD.

We are still in communication with owners of property where we feel the middle school would be ideally placed.  The district also owns property that is being considered.

There are many things that are not included in this proposal, including a natatorium.  If the community is interested in a natatorium, we would suggest we begin by utilizing the YMCA for swimming lessons.  You may not know this, but the district has utilized the YMCA for some of our elementary students to take swimming lessons for the past few years.  We would have to assess the need for a natatorium–do we have enough students and parents willing to commit to such a huge athletic undertaking?

The proposed bond has not stated anything about one middle school assisting the city to grow.  At this time, and considering future projections and educational expectations, we believe the bond will help PAISD grow stronger.  Once again, the proposed bond is addressing facility needs within our district and community.  If community growth occurs because of that, then that will be an added bonus.

The proposed bond has not stated anything about one middle school assisting the city to grow.  At this time, and considering future projections and educational expectations, we believe the bond will help PAISD grow stronger.  Once again, the proposed bond is addressing facility needs within our district and community.  If community growth occurs because of that, then that will be an added bonus.

Once again, PAISD is charged with educating students that live within the city.  If you are interested in jobs and others moving here, we suggest you look at the city as a whole, and not just PAISD.  It is possible that new facilities– equipped for educating students and supporting athletes and auxiliaries in 2030 and beyond– may attract more students and families to our city.

If there are any teachers/staff with questions, we encourage all that have questions to seek answers from within, by using this platform or attending public forums about the bond.  We are not privy to any employee being retaliated against for asking a question.  If that is the case, we recommend the employee contact the PAISD superintendent personally.

Yes.