Three of the four YISD bond propositions passed by voters

Voters in the Yoakum school district approved some $31.7 million in proposed school bond projects Saturday, unofficial election night returns showed, but narrowly defeated a fourth and final measure that would have brought about several improvements to the school’s football stadium

Unofficial election night numbers showed voters approving Proposition A, which addressed districtwide safety and security, abated some asbestos, provided some accessibility improvements, and replaced a few air conditioners, by a vote of 307- 170. That measure consumed the lions’ share of the proposed bond amounts at a cost of $17,365,000, which will just over a nickel per $100 valuation to the school’s tax levy.

Proposition B, at a cost of $4.1 million, helped the school refinance several projects at lower rates than it got previously, when those projects were originally financed. That measure was also approved 289-192, Saturday’s unofficial numbers showed. It adds just shy of two pennies per $100 valuation to the school’s tax levy.

Proposition C also passed 257-220, unofficial numbers showed. It costs $10.2 million and involves constructing an on-campus softball complex and adjusting both the school baseball field and the tennis courts. It will add another three cents per $100 to the school tax levy.

All these additions will go toward the school’s interest and sinking (I&S) tax levy, not the general fund side of things.

Proposition D, which would have cost taxpayers just one penny more on the over tax levy, would have improved security and light at the football stadium, as well as replaced the track and turf found there. It cost an additional $3.3 million, and it was the only proposition voted down Saturday

It failed by just 32 votes, unofficial numbers showed, with a vote of 222 for and 254 against.

Those won’t become “official” until the school board reviews and approves them by a formal vote of the board of directors, scheduled for Monday night's board meeting.

“Yoakum ISD would like to thank the voters who came out to show support for the 2023 bond election,” said superintendent Tom Kelley. “We are grateful for the support for each of the four proposals and look forward to beginning the work for the projects included in Propositions A, B and C passed by voters.

“As always, safety is the No. 1 priority for Yoakum ISD, and each one of the proposals includes items that will make our facilities even safer for our students and staff,” he added. “These are exciting times for the students in Yoakum ISD, and the community support clearly shows that the safety and success of our students is a high priority across our area.”