Tyler ISD Has $20 million Surplus From Bond - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

By Meghan McDermott

Superintendent, Dr. Randy Reid, said each project from the 2008 school bond has come well under budget.

"That brings in a 10-12% savings on each one of these buildings," said Tyler ISD Superintendent, Dr. Randy Reid.

With the $3.3 million left over from the 2004 Bond added to the surplus from this current building project, the district has at least $20 million to play with. By law, every cent must go to capital improvement projects.

"We have four projects left in the elementary level that we've identified and we've already done the work on identifying the needs in those buildings," said Reid.

Those are Birdwell, Rice, Owens and Dixie Elementary Schools.

"Those are the only four elementary campuses that we have not upgraded or replaced," said Reid.

Tyler resident Sherri Pickens says she agrees with using funds on additional campus renovations. 

"I think that's a great idea. I think that the Tyler schools really, a lot of them, need renovations," said Tyler resident Sherri Pickens.

Maria Saogado, a 2006 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, supports the Superintendent's proposal because she recalls her experiences as a student.

"It used to be a little bit crowded. There were a lot of students in one class," said Tyler resident Maria Saogado.

Reid says Birdwell and Owens are in need of relatively simple additions and building renovations. But the work at Rice and Dixie is more extensive.

"Because they're built in a fashion where they use multiple buildings and there's outside exit and entrances in all those campuses," said Reid.

Dr. Reid will make another presentation to the school board in November. The board will have final say on where the surplus money is used. He says once the board makes its decision on which projects can move forward, he hopes to have it all completed by the 2011 school year.