On January 31, the PISD bond committee will hold a public hearing. The committee will be reviewing staff recommendations regarding district needs. The May 2008 bond proposal is pivotal to PISD east (affecting Murphy) cluster school construction over the next few years, as the PISD staff has determined that the east side will eventually need another elementary school, middle school, and high school.   

From a Bond Proposal Supporter 
I know we have all been very patient about the continual postponement of new schools on the east side. There is a new bond proposal which includes the permanent funding of Schell, a  new middle school and high school to relieve overcrowding at Murphy Middle School and Williams High School, respectively.  The remainder of the package relates to technology needs in PISD. Matt Sicking, a Stinson and Murphy parent, has prepared comments on behalf of the eastside parents in support of these new schools and will speak at the January 31st Public Hearing regarding the new bond proposal. 
 
Currently, all the items in the bond total approximately  $500 million and, if taken to voters, it will be the largest bond package ever proposed by the district. There is concern that the bond might be reduced due to the large dollar amount or perhaps moved to two installments which would postpone our needs being met. Whatever  happens to the current bond package in the next few weeks and months will seal our fate for the next several years.
This is a time that east side parents need to be heard! 

In addition to Matt Sicking’s presentation on behalf of Murphy/east side residents, the district will allow all citizens who are supporting the new schools to stand up.  This is a chance for the eastside to show its support. PISD will record how many are there in support of these new schools. If we have a large turnout, it will be much harder for our schools to be removed from the bond package!  Even if you don't have children in the PISD system, this vote could dramatically affect house values so please support it!    
 
Finally, we on the east side are finding that we don't “have” because we don't ask.  Recently, my  husband met with the Richardson Parks Department and he happened to ask about  the progress of Breckinridge Park. He was told that the city didn't  hear from the east side, but the west side residents were asking for  improvements so the money was allotted to them instead. Please come and support this grassroots effort to provide schools on the east side to serve our population growth!
See You  on Thursday, January 31st!!

Public Hearing from Bond Task Force
Thursday, January  31, 2008
7:00  p.m.
Sockwell Center  
6301 Chapel Hill  Blvd
Plano, TX   75093

Directions
From Renner and 190, West on 190 - George Bush Freeway (toward Central - 75) Continue on George Bush Freeway (190) for several miles. Turn north onto Dallas North Tollway, Exit at Park and go to the light. Turn left on Park. Turn right on Plano Parkway. Turn right on Chapel Hill Road. Turn left to Sockwell Center.