By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
The Del Rio Chamber of Commerce and the Military Affairs Association Board of Directors have voted to support the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District’s $50 million bond, calling it a critical investment in education and the community’s future.
“This initiative represents an important investment in our children and our community,” chamber leaders said in a joint statement. “It is not only about education, but also about enhancing our overall quality of life and positioning our community for positive growth.”
The bond would fund modernization projects across the district, replacing outdated facilities and easing overcrowding. District officials said the improvements will create the type of learning environments students need to succeed, said Blanca Larson, The Del Rio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.
According to the chamber’s message, the package will not increase the school district’s tax rate. However, under state law, they said the ballot must still include language stating the bond constitutes a tax increase.
The board members are urging residents to share information and encourage neighbors to vote. “We need our community to vote for this investment in our community and for our kids,” Larson wrote.
The chamber also pointed to Laughlin Air Force Base’s impact on the local economy in explaining their support. Laughlin generates an estimated $1.7 billion in local economic activity, with more than 3,000 direct jobs and 7,500 direct and indirect jobs. The base represents about 36 percent of local employment and more than 20 percent of the real estate market. Since 2016, projects tied to Laughlin have brought in nearly $44 million in combined state and federal investment, with another $120 million in infrastructure improvements planned over the next five years.
Community leaders have also formed a group, Citizens for S.F.D.R. Schools, to promote the bond. Organizer Ken Smith said the group aims to raise $5,000 to support outreach and voter turnout.
Complete text of message sent to Chamber members is below:
Dear Chamber Members, The Del Rio Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors along with Military Affairs Association Board of Directors have voted to support the new School Bond Issue.
This initiative represents an important investment in our children and our community. It is not only about education, but also about enhancing our overall quality of life and positioning our community for positive growth.
The bond will allow us to modernize our schools and address outdated, overcrowded facilities, ensuring students have the learning environments they need to succeed.
This is a $50 million bond package that will not increase the School District’s tax rate. However, please be aware that, under Texas law, the ballot must state that the bond constitutes a tax increase, even though the actual rate will not change.
PLEASE SHARE by emailing and or TEXTING the rack card info! We need our Community to VOTE for this INVESTMENT in our Community and for our Kids! Many have asked about the R.B.B. School on Laughlin Air Force Base.
In brief below are some bullet points on the impact of Laughlin on our community.
Laughlin Economic Impact: 1.7B in LOCAL economic impact- Civilian & Military Military & Civilian children can attend RBB LAFB Personnel approx.
3043 direct employment LAFB Direct & Indirect jobs: 7533 LAFB Direct disposable Personal Income: $438-Million 36%+ of our employment 21% of our real estate market
Since 2016 to present, in partnership with Val Verde County, City of Del Rio and SW Texas College the following investments have been made:
$16.2-Million investments from the State of Texas
$32.0-Million in DOD funding $43.8-Million impact for Total projects In addition, Laughlin has $120-Million of infrastructure investments on base committed over the next 5 – years
Also, we ask that you send the information out to at least 10 persons that will go and vote as well as help to GET OUT THE VOTE. Ken Smith is forming a group named “Citizens for S.F.D.R. Schools”. We aim to raise around $5000. Let us know if you would like to contribute.
