May 10, 2014 could be a very significant date for the Arlington Independent School District. Although much of the student body potentially affected remains unaware, this day marks the Bond Election, which could either ensure or deny our district a significant sum towards its enhancement.

The proposal for $663.1 million was vetted by the Capital Needs Steering Committee, which evaluated lagging areas in the district and the funds needed to bring them up to speed. This committee was appointed on September 5, 2013 and includes students, parents, teachers, and community members from all different areas in the district. The committee compiled a variety of test results, projections and assessments, surveys and input in order to write their proposal. They recommended the improvements based on this information.

The attention given to Arlington high specifically include fine arts improvements, a new multi-purpose activity center, technology upgrades, new funds for attire in different departments, fire alarm improvements, construction and landscaping improvements, heating and A/C replacements (WOO!), parking replacement, security camera upgrades, window replacement, and interior finish replacements.

But the spoils don’t stop there. The upgrades extend beyond our campus and propose construction of new buildings such as a fine arts center, an agricultural science facility, a career and technical center, and an athletics complex for swimming, diving, gymnastics and wrestling. Existing high schools and junior highs that aren’t currently being used to their full potential will be repurposed: workman Junior High will take on Hutcheson students after an addition of classrooms and Hutcheson will be demolished and rebuilt as the career center, and Venture will be relocated to Ferguson Junior High as Ferguson students are combined with Ousley-ans.

The spiffing up of everything from band uniforms to science labs could be implemental to future students education if the bill passes, so make sure to rally up your parents, teachers, and neighbors, and make your position felt!