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Elgin Independent School District is celebrating a significant milestone as voters have overwhelmingly approved the district’s 2024 bond referendum during the May 4 General Election.
A group of Elgin ISD staff and community members spent several months studying enrollment projections, financial data and other district information before developing the bond presented to voters.
One of the focal points of the bond was that it will not result in any tax rate increase.
The $375 million package, which consists of two separate propositions, addresses evolving district needs arising from rapid enrollment growth and aims to enhance career and technical education opportunities for students, according to district representatives.
Proposition A, supported by 68% of voters, focuses on growth, critical infrastructure upgrades and expansions across the district. The $366 million package of projects includes funding for a new elementary school and middle school, an expansion to Elgin High School, priority maintenance, campus upgrades, athletic facilities improvements, the purchase of new buses, phase 2 development of the transportation building and new land acquisitions.
With 60% voter approval, Proposition B allocates $9 million towards expanding educational opportunities for students. The package will renovate the press box at Wildcat Stadium to create a dedicated space for CTE and audio/video academic programming. The renovated press box will feature instructional space, safety enhancements, audio upgrades and a state-of-the-art scoreboard tailored for the programs.
“This is a historic day for Elgin ISD,” Superintendent Jana Rueter said. “I could not be more grateful for the unwavering support of our community. This bond places our school district in a strong and proactive position to meet the changing needs of our rapidly growing student population and community.”
The decision to pursue the bond referendum stemmed from a comprehensive study conducted by Population and Survey Analysts predicting a significant surge in enrollment by 2033.
In the next 10 years, it is projected that enrollment in Elgin ISD will at least double, and possibly triple, according to the study.
Throughout the election and information campaign process, Elgin ISD remained committed to transparency and community engagement. Rueter spearheaded a series of information sharing sessions aimed at raising awareness about the bond and educating the community about the evolving needs of the district. According to the superintendent, these efforts are part of the district’s commitment to fostering collaboration and ensuring that stakeholders are well-informed participants in shaping the future of Elgin ISD.
“As the 2024 bond program progresses, we remain committed to maintaining an open dialogue with our community,” Rueter added. “We will provide regular updates on bond projects through our website and during public meetings, ensuring that our community remains informed and engaged every step of the way.”
Detailed information about the bond projects is available at www.elginisdbond. org.
“I could not be more grateful for the unwavering support of our community.”
— Elgin ISD Superintendent Jana Rueter
