By Chris Moore

chris.moore@panews.com

 

Turnout remained high in Nederland with 601 casting ballots on the second day of early voting. The polls were open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. According to people leaving the polls, the Nederland Independent School District bond is a driving force for the increased participation.

The bond, which totals $155.6 million, consists of two propositions:

Proposition A (151.1 million)

• Construction of new high school
• Renovations, upgrades and additions to existing elementary schools and middle schools
• Technology upgrades
• Safety and security improvements

Proposal B ($4.5 million)

• Upgrades, renovations and improvements to the district’s stadium

Those feeling strongly for and against the bond are voting to make sure their voices are heard.

Buddy Brammer said he is not opposed to new schools, but is against the amount of money required for the bond and the debt the bond would accrue.

“They are wasting $40 million worth of interest by doing it this way,” he said. “I have a daughter that teaches at the school. She doesn’t understand either. She is a ‘Yes’ person. I just don’t really understand why they are trying to do this all at one time.”

Lori Bell is a member of Building Tomorrow’s Leaders, which is a group in favor of the bond. Members of the group take turns occupying the canopy to answer questions.

Bell said she feels more optimistic about the bond passing than previous years. In 2009, a bond to build new schools failed by a 79% vote.

In 2012, there were two propositions on the ballot to build new schools. The first lost by a vote count of 1162 to 1575. The second lost by a count of 1212 to 1581.

“I just feel like when you involve the children and their education, it’s a hot topic,” Bell said. “This has been a bond that has been presented in a different way. The school board came to the community and we looked at what we can put together. We really worked hard and toured all of the schools.”

Bell said she believes a new high school would offer an improved academic environment.

“We would get an amazing career and technology department,” she said. “In the end, that became, hands down, the best thing we could do for every student in Nederland.”

Bell said members of the committee will be on site to answer any questions people might have prior to voting.

Early voting continues through the week at City Hall on North 12^th Street. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Monday. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Election Day is May 4.