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.

CFISD Schools Closed

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After meeting with district leadership today, I have decided to keep CFISD schools and facilities closed tomorrow, Wednesday, April 20.

The decision to close schools is never made easily, but the effects of a flood as severe as this one leave cancellation as the best option. The flooding caused damage to several of our campuses, and our staff have done a tremendous job of working around the clock to prepare them for students. However, the high water over many thoroughfares and neighborhood streets makes transportation impossible. School closure, although unfortunate, will best ensure the safety of all our students and employees.

County officials are urging residents to stay off the roadways, and I support this recommendation unless travel is an absolute necessity.

Many in our community have lost everything. I am troubled by this, yet encouraged by the response of several of our campuses to assist families in need. More information on relief efforts can be found on the American Red Cross website.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all as we get through this difficult time. I am proud to be a part of the CFISD community, and I know we will bounce back strong.

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.