But in November Ector County voters have the chance to help.
“This is a great opportunity for all of Ector County,” said Sara Moore, CEO of United Pump and Supply Inc.
That help comes from the voting booth, where Moore and other community leaders hope to pass the ECISD bond.
Composed of three different proposals the 2023 bond will impact every single student at every campus.
“This bond is county-wide. It has elements to it that will reach into all parts of the county and equally all directions of the county, north, south, east, and west,” Moore emphasized.
Community leaders call it a vision for the future. It includes a new middle school serving 1,000 students in far West Odessa. And a new Career and Technology Education Center, which will provide more than 27 programs in fields like healthcare, teaching, engineering and automotive. The CTE will launch thousands of students into careers, creating Ector County’s very own skilled workforce.
“These are the things that are not only going to address the needs of our children, but they’ll address the needs of our city,” said Mary Caywood with Odessans for a Bright Future.
The bond is needed now said ECISD parent Kevin Searcy. “Since 2012 the last time we had a bond where we actually built new facilities, we’ve added a little over 3,000 students to the district.”
The bond also includes upgrading and expanding campus security systems, fire alarms, and an outdated PA system. The funding will reach every single school with life safety and/or critical infrastructure replacement and upgrades.
Responsible for educating more than 33,000 children – ECISD’s bond will help create the classrooms and opportunities for students to reach their full potential.
“The school system touches every resident in the county. We are raising our own workforce and our own leaders for tomorrow,” said Moore.
After all, great communities start with great schools.
“As a citizen of Odessa, I want our city to be successful, I want it to prosper,” said Caywood.
Early Voting begins Monday, October 23rd.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th.
By Shelley Childers