At the July 17 regular meeting of the Victoria ISD Board of Trustees, a representative of the Bond Action Committee (BAC), Col. Richard DeAses, provided an update on the committee’s work and preliminary recommendations regarding a future facilities bond proposal. The broader goal is to ensure that every VISD student is educated in a state-of-the-art facility.
The VISD Administration has been developing a long-range master facilities plan for several years. At this time, in the process, utilizing a citizen advisory committee is the next step in making recommendations for a final master plan. It is important that our community have a voice and stay informed.
The BAC was tasked with supporting, promoting, and providing input on the development of future bond recommendations that address facility needs across the district. Over the course of three informational meetings and three site tours - visiting 11 of the district’s 29 campuses and facilities - the committee conducted in-depth discussions and assessments of campus conditions and priorities.
Following its initial work, the BAC is on target to develop a recommendation for a Phase 1 bond referendum for May 2026.
The BAC expressed support for the administration's draft of a master facilities plan, which also supports a phased approach to bond planning, with future bond elections occurring every few years. This master facilities plan would allow Victoria ISD to modernize and upgrade campuses over time.
Several elementary campuses in Victoria ISD are now more than 40 years old, with critical infrastructure, such as roofs, HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical components, well beyond their expected lifespan. Recognizing these aging conditions, the BAC will incorporate recommendations from the Attendance Boundaries and Rezoning Task Force to help shape a long-term vision for elementary schools.
Patti Welder and STEM Middle School were also highlighted by the committee as community landmarks with historical significance and potential for extended use if capital investments are made to revitalize them. While both schools are currently larger than needed for today’s student enrollment, the BAC has requested updated cost estimates for possible renovations at each site.
As part of their ongoing work, the Attendance Boundaries and Rezoning Task Force will evaluate enrollment trends, school capacity, and projected population growth to determine where boundary adjustments are needed for greater efficiency and equity. Their study will also take into account neighborhood growth patterns, transportation logistics, and access to specialized programs. Victoria ISD conducts this boundary review process every three years to help maintain balanced enrollment across campuses.
To inform its planning efforts, the BAC will review updated data on campus utilization districtwide. Committee members also underscored the need for additional time and more detailed data before finalizing their recommendations.
The BAC’s sixth meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
For more information about the Bond Action Committee and updates on facilities planning, please visit https://www.visd.net/page/board-subcommittees. All BAC meetings are also available on the VISD website.