ELGIN, Texas — Austin is not the only boomtown.
Elgin is in the middle of the Texas Triangle, formed by the state's biggest cities, ranging from Dallas-Fort Worth to San Antonio and Houston. Superintendent Dr. Jana Rueter said that is attracting more families to Elgin ISD.
"We are now considered the second fastest-growing school district in Central Texas," Rueter said.
For parents who currently have a kindergartener at Elgin ISD, the district's enrollment is projected to at least double by the time they enter high school.
District leaders want to address growth with a $375 million bond election laid out in two propositions. Prop A sets aside $366 million to add more facilities while addressing campus upgrades.
"It would add a new elementary school ... It would add a middle school. It would also add capacity at our high school, as well as addressing the needs at our facilities for priority maintenance," Rueter said.
Prop B sets aside $9 million to renovate and expand their press box to use as a classroom space.
"For our [career and technical education] programs, for [audiovisual] programs ... For our students to actually manage and run the AV programs for district activities that are at Wildcat Stadium," Rueter said.
How would this impact taxpayers? Rueter said there would be zero tax rate impact to the voters. But if property values go up, that would impact a homeowner's tax bill.
"So in order for us to do this ... It's asking our voters to approve debt that the district would go into for us to be able to spend the money needed for these long-term projects and capital improvements," Rueter said.
Elgin parent Lauren Cannon believes this bond election is imperative for future students and scholars.
"I am actually a graduate of Elgin High School, so a lot of the upgrades need to happen have probably needed to happen for along time, even when I was in school," Cannon said.
The district said it's thinking about the futures of young Central Texans who will be part of its continued growth.
Early voting is already underway with Election Day set for May 4. Learn more about the proposed bond package.