At the board meeting on Monday, Feb. 13, the Bridgeport ISD Board of Trustees unanimously called a bond election for May 6, 2023. The $185 million single-proposition bond has a proposed project list including the following items:

Renovations to Bridgeport Middle School; construction of a new, second elementary school; projects for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs; construction of a new high school auditorium for use by all students on campus; safety and security improvements at Bull Memorial stadium; improvements to the softball and baseball fields; construction of two additional tennis courts; and a field safety cover that is grounded over an outdoor turf field for use by all students, including band members and student athletes to utilize while practicing during harsh weather conditions. 

Also included are capital projects to make improvements to flooring, roofs, interior finishes and heating, ventilation and cooling systems across the district. This bond proposal also includes other safety and security projects; the purchase of school buses; and the acquisition of fine arts and athletic equipment.

“We are grateful for all of the time and attention citizens on our Long-Range Facility Planning Committee gave to this work the last few months, and the feedback and recommendations they shared that led to the board’s decision to call a bond election,” said Dr. Amy Ellis, Bridgeport ISD Superintendent. “It’s our responsibility as a district to provide facts and share project details with our community so they can make an informed decision.” 

This past fall, a 62-member citizen and staff committee reviewed the work of the previous bond planning committee and conducted tours of current facilities to view first-hand their condition. The committee identified facilities and projects to serve all students across multiple grade levels and programs, and also discussed grade configurations, building capacities, the budget outlook and the inflationary impact on construction materials and labor.

Bridgeport ISD currently has the third lowest school tax rate of all Wise County public schools, according to the Wise County Tax Office. The proposed bond election is expected to result in a 29.34 cent tax increase for some voters. Financial advisors estimate if approved, the bond could cost the average BISD homeowner of a $200,000 house, $39 per month. Homeowners who are 65 years or older can apply for an “Age 65 or Older Exemption” on their Homestead and have their property taxes frozen and not experience a property tax increase as a result of passing this bond proposition.

To be eligible to participate in the May 2023 Bridgeport ISD bond election, you must be a resident of the district and registered to vote by the April 6 deadline. Early voting at any Wise County voting location will begin April 24 and end on May 2. On Saturday, May 6, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit our  bond webpage here for additional voting information and details on the proposed projects.