Mineola School Board will consider calling a $29.9 million bond election at a special meeting Thursday at 6 p.m.

The board held a public forum Monday to go over the bond’s particulars, which was also live-streamed.

The highlight of the proposal is a new primary school on E. Loop 564 that would house Head Start through third grade.

Once that building is completed, the elementary school would be transitioned into a career and technology center for the high school.

Grades four and five would move from the elementary into the present primary, which now houses Head Start through second grade.

Superintendent Cody Mize said the presentation on the bond package would be made available to the public on the district website.

The live stream generated no questions, and a handful of people spoke at the meeting. Following the meeting a few questions surfaced on the district’s Facebook page.

The board has until Feb. 18 to call for a bond election if it is to be held during the May 7 election.

The timeline for construction if the bond is approved would have dirt turning by late summer with a 12 to14 month project to complete the primary campus, at a cost of $19.5 million. Once the elementary is vacated, another $4 million would be spent turning it into a CTE center.

Additional costs include $1 million to be spent on redoing vocational agriculture facilities, $1.2 million for a new auto mechanics shop and $250,000 to upgrade canopies connecting various buildings.

The remaining costs include $1.2 million for contingencies and $2.5 million for soft costs such as professional fees and testing.

The bond would increase the district’s property tax rate to $1.20 from its present 96 cents. Those over 65 with their tax levies frozen would not see an increase.

A $100,000 home would see a $180 annual increase, with a $300 increase for a $150,000 home and $420 for a $200,000 home.

The increase would raise Mineola’s tax rate from among the lowest for area schools to just below a handful of schools above the $1.20 mark, led by Tyler at $1.29.

“There comes a time to put these talks into action,” Demethrius Boyd said. 

The board has done its job, he said. “It’s our time to do our job. It’s in our hands.”

Suggestions for getting the word out included mass mailings and visiting with civic clubs and church groups.

Facility committee member Roy Shockey said there needs to be a “vote yes” campaign with public endorsements.

Mize noted that as a school official, he is limited to providing factual information.

But as elected officials, board members can advocate for the bond.

Board member Rodney Watkins said signs and banners would be forthcoming.

Mize said the plan addresses some of the district’s aging facilities while alleviating some traffic issues. It also provides room for growth at all campuses.

“This gets the ball rolling to address some of our kids’ needs,” he said, adding that the district needs a plan to guide future facility projects.

It should also allow the district to get rid of portable buildings on campuses.

The board will meet Thursday in the administration building at 1695 W. Loop 564.