During Monday night’s Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) board meeting, trustees unanimously approved a proposal to place a $135.4 million bond on the upcoming November 5 ballot. If passed by voters, this bond package would significantly change the district’s schools, aiming to address the evolving needs of a growing community.
New Southside Elementary Campus
One of the central components of the bond proposal is the construction of a new Southside elementary campus. Specifically, this new school would be located next to the current Yeager Elementary on Tripoli Drive, near the old Carroll High School. Moreover, the plan includes consolidating three existing elementary schools—Kostoryz, Sanders, and Yeager—into this new facility. If the bond is approved, the district anticipates that the new school will open its doors in August 2026.
Some parents and guardians view the consolidation as a necessary step to modernize the district’s infrastructure. Sean Lynch, a guardian, shared his thoughts, saying, “Some of these schools are classics with great history and design, but unfortunately, the age of the buildings has led to issues with plumbing, wiring, and security. It’s time for an upgrade.”
Concerns Over School Consolidation
However, not all parents are in favor of the proposed changes. Laura Cable, a parent whose daughter attends Fannin Elementary, expressed her concerns about the impact of larger schools on students with special needs. Her daughter, who has Down syndrome, thrives in a smaller campus environment with fewer students and quieter spaces.
“That works against us,” Cable stated. “Smaller schools offer goals that are more appropriate for my daughter, like being able to navigate the school independently as she’s gotten older.”
High School Renovations and Additions
The bond proposal also allocates $30 million for renovations at King High School. With Corpus Christi’s Southside experiencing significant growth, the district plans to add eight new classrooms to Veterans Memorial High School to accommodate the increasing student population.
In addition, the bond includes several other improvements across the district:
- Construction of a second gym at Haas Middle School.
- Renovation of restrooms, locker rooms, and corridors at Moody High School.
- A dedicated weight room at Veterans Memorial High School.
- Upgrades to fine arts capabilities, including enhanced stage lighting, projectors, and screens.
- Replacement of aging band equipment and expansion of the district’s band instrument inventory.
Financial Implications and Community Impact
Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez emphasized that the bond package is designed to benefit most students and staff without increasing the tax rate. “We thank the school board for agreeing to place this measure before voters,” Hernandez said. “Since 2008, we have replaced nearly a third of our school buildings and renovated many others.
We look forward to sharing detailed information about this bond initiative with our community.”
Lynch echoed the need for these upgrades and pointed out that Corpus Christi’s growth, including new industrial developments like the Tesla plant, necessitates modern and expanded educational facilities.
However, Cable remains cautious about the bond proposal, urging the district to consider the needs of all students, including those who benefit from smaller campuses. “It’s tough when you see a bond like that, and you’re really against some parts of it, but you also see the good in other areas. It makes it hard to decide how to vote,” she said.
The election on November 5 will determine the future of these proposed changes for CCISD.