Voters in Pleasant Grove Independent School District approved a $19.9 million bond for a new elementary school, technology upgrades and increased security on Saturday.
The measure passed in a 1,280-to-533 vote.
The proposed rate of $1.455 per $100 property valuation increased the district's interest and sinking rate by 1.5 cents; the maintenance and operations tax rate remains at $1.09.
"This is a great day for the children of P.G. Our community came together and worked very hard to get the facts out about what our students at P.G. needed," Superintendent Dr. Jason Smith said. "Our community members came out in full force. We had over 1,800 people vote, and over 70 percent voted for the passing of the bond."
The bond includes $250,000 for increased security, $1.2 million for technology upgrades and nearly $18.52 million for the elementary school. The existing elementary building will be converted into a CTE building for high school students.
The increased security plan includes 220 high-definition cameras and 59 badge readers with controlled door access. All the equipment would be connected by Wi-Fi and supported by technology upgrades.
"The next step is to meet with the board and prioritize what needs to be done," Smith said. "We know that our first step is going to be putting our technology in place and our security, and at the same time, bring on board an architect and general contractor to start the design phase of the new elementary school. We'll also start identifying the location for the school."
A subcommittee comprised of three school board members has already started the process, he said.
"We will start the technology this summer, but it will be implemented all year long," he said. "We will be laying out new fiber and getting Wi-Fi access in every building. It's going to be a real long project. Once the technology is in place, we will be able to put in security, as well. We will be putting those two things in place as quickly as possible throughout the year."