Separate Election
Whose idea was it to hold the bond election in a DIFFERENT polling location from the General election location?
The Pearland ISD board of Trustees opted to host the schoolhouse bond election separate from the general election to accommodate branch voting. Historically, the Pearland community has been very supportive of branch voting. Branch voting provides the convenience of early voting in 18 neighborhood school district facilities. Brazoria County officials said they were not able to provide equipment for our branch voting. This resulted in the district’s decision to hold a separate election. The school board members discussed e-slate equipment and separate versus combined elections June 13, June 27 and July 11. The audio files of the meetings and approved minutes are available at: http://www.pearlandisd.org/pisd/board_audio_agenda_archive.html.
Election Locations
When asked “Where do we vote on the bond issue?”…we and several others were told “I don’t know”…. There is a definite lack of communication regarding elections in the Pearland area….. or was this the intent of the ISD so those who oppose the Bond issue would become even more frustrated and not vote.
The election clerks and volunteers at Pearland ISD voting sites did distribute information about general and special election locations. I heard stories similar to yours from citizens who went to county voting sites. I cannot explain why they did not have Pearland ISD voting information. Prior to the election, Pearland ISD provided signs in all branch voting locations; mailed publications to Pearland households; printed newspaper articles in the Pearland Journal, Pearland Reporter and Houston Chronicle; posted newspaper ads; submitted letters to the editor; posted information on the district’s web site; and placed a large banner on FM 518.
Early Voting
Why was there no early election for this issue?
Pearland ISD did provide early voting for the schoolhouse bond election from Oct. 23 – Nov. 3 at the Education Support Center, 2337 N. Galveston Ave. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Branch voting was available at Pearland ISD campuses including The Rig on designated dates from Oct. 23 – Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The district publicized these dates in a district publication mailed to Pearland households, in campus newsletters, through the campus PTA members, on the Website, at community meetings, on the Pearland cable channel and in the local papers. We will continue to seek new and effective means to communicate important information to Pearland families.
2006 Bond FAQ from presentations meetings
- When will Bailey Road high school become a 9th-12th grade school?
2012/2013
- Where will the high school on Cullen be located?
Cullen Blvd. (FM 865) near Hughes Ranch Rd.
- Will the bond increase my taxes if I am over 65 years old?
No. Taxes are frozen for all citizens aged 65 and older who have filed for exemptions.
- What if the bond referendum fails?
More portable buildings will be added for classroom instruction. The district will face higher maintenance costs which will impact the funding of instructional programs. The district will have to consider a larger bond referendum in future years.
- Where do I vote on Election Day?
Tuesday—Nov. 7 Voters from Pearland Precinct 1 can vote at the Melvin Knapp Activity Building, 2425 South Grand Boulevard. Citizens who live in Pearland Precinct 2 can vote at Sam Jamison Middle School, 2506 Woody Rd.
- When is Early Voting?
Early voting by personal appearance is Monday – Friday starting October 21, 2006, through November 3, 2006, and on Saturday, October 28, 2006, from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Pearland Independent School District Education Support Center, 2337 North Galveston Avenue, Pearland, Texas.
- How will kids be divided to the new high school? by neighborhood zoning
Bailey Rd. Campus Conversion
2007/2008 – 1/3 of 9th, 10th grade students in Pearland ISD attend Bailey Rd. (The remaining 2/3 will attend PHS on Hwy. 35)
2008/2009 – 1/3 of 9th, 10th, 11th grade students attend Bailey Rd. (The remaining 2/3 will attend PHS on Hwy. 35)
2009/2010 - 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade students, physically move to new high school facility on Cullen Rd.
In 2009, the nesting process begins all over again. 1/3 of the 9th graders will attend the Bailey Rd. campus; 1/3 will be at PHS on Hwy 35; and 1/3 will be at Cullen Rd.
2012/2013 – Bailey Rd. will house 9 – 12 grade students.
- Why is the high school plan so detailed?
The board wants the transition to a new high school to be as easy as possible for the students. They know that students want to stay with their friends and graduate from a high school where they feel connected.
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