Board approves bond election for May 4

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Last night, Feb. 11, during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting, our Board of Trustees unanimously voted to call a bond election for May 4, 2019. Community members living within Cypress-Fairbanks ISD will vote on the $1,762,000,000 referendum this spring.

The election was called after a community long-range planning committee (LRPC) presented a recommendation to the Board during a Feb. 4 special-called meeting. The 50-member LRPC met regularly throughout November-January and formulated a plan that will meet the following needs for the school district through 2025:

·       instructional and support facilities;

·       safety and security;

·       transportation;

·       technology; and

·       facilities renovations and additions.

Community members collaborate during a January long-range planning committee meeting.

More information on what is included in the referendum, as well as the detailed recommendation given to the Board, can be found on the LRPC webpage. I encourage you to review the information to help prepare you for an informed vote in May.

The projected impact of the bond on our debt service tax rate (also called the Interest and Sinking tax rate), would amount to an incremental change of up to 3 cents over a seven-year period. A home valued at $200,000 would have a maximum annual I&S tax increase of $40.50 by the year 2025. Remember that this is only a projection. Prior to the 2014 bond election, we forecasted a maximum tax increase of 4.5 cents and it actually decreased by one penny.

Please note that there would be no tax increase for those 65 years of age or older or who are disabled and who qualify for an over-65 homestead exemption, according to Texas Property Tax Code Section 11.26.

We will continue to post more information on the district website (www.cfisd.net) and our social media channels (search #CFISDBond) in the coming weeks to answer potential questions and supply voting information to our community members. We will also deliver a series of presentations at upcoming events to help inform the voting public.

Thank you in advance for committing to making an informed vote in the 2019 bond election.

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

Facilities Update

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Our wonderful facilities, maintenance and operations teams worked hard last week to help prepare our campuses for the arrival of Hurricane Harvey. This week, those same dedicated employees are busy assessing the damage caused by the heavy rain and flood water we received.

Due to their forethought and ongoing assessment, we are confident that very few of our facilities sustained major damage and will be able to be fully restored by the time that schools reopen.

One of our campuses, Moore Elementary School, was not so fortunate. Our team assessed the campus and determined that it will require a significant renovation project this fall. After meeting with my leadership team, I made the decision to relocate Moore to the old Matzke Elementary School building (13102 Jones Road) for at least the fall semester until renovations are complete. Although it is never easy to leave your home campus, we feel like this is the most viable option for the Moore community given these difficult circumstances. More information will be made available to Moore families and staff members in the coming days.

Now for the big question: when will school start? We are giving our crews another day to completely assess the damage and form repair timelines. I will meet with my leadership team again tomorrow, and plan to announce a decision about the first day of school by tomorrow, Sept. 1, at 3 p.m.

I continue to keep all of you who were affected by the floods in my thoughts and prayers, and want you to know we are here to provide support and assistance. Many of you have inquired about how to help, and here are a few ideas to get started:

• Donate supplies.  We are accepting donations today through Sunday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Berry Center (8877 Barker Cypress Road). See http://www.cfisd.net/cfisdhelps
• Donate financially. We have set up a link to accept credit card donations. All money received is tax-deductible and will be applied directly to the relief efforts for our students and staff that have been affected. See http://www.berrycenter.net/ce. 
• Volunteer. There are many community groups needing help with the cleanup of houses. See http://www.cfisd.net/relief for a list of those who have notified us of where help is needed. This is a great activity for student groups to assist with as well.

Thank you to everyone for pulling together during this difficult time!

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

Moving Forward

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The major flooding across the region has made it a tough week for all. While I feel that education is so important, the safety of our students, staff and community came first when weighing five days of cancellations.

It has been a stressful week for the CFISD leadership team and staff, but that pales in comparison with the burden faced by those who have lost their homes, vehicles or lives as a result of this flood. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this trying time as we all get back on our feet.

Hundreds of CFISD staff members and volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring our facilities back to order and meet the needs of those who are hurting. I cannot praise you enough for your unified efforts.

We have 57 facilities that sustained some level of damage. All facilities will be ready for students and staff by Monday, April 25, although some will require continued work through the summer to return to their original state.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has been extremely supportive and responsive to our historic situation, and is working with us to develop a plan to finish out the school year. We will announce a plan this week once it is finalized.

This has been my third major weather event in the last 12 years as a superintendent. It does not get any easier, but it does bring out the best in a wonderful community like Cy-Fair. Thank you for your kindness, charity and concern over the last seven days. I am so proud to be a part of CFISD. 

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.