HISD School Bond: A tough fight

I got too caught up in other stuff earlier this week, but I've been meaning to write something about the troubled HISD Bond.  Generally speaking, bonds tend to pass, with voters paying little attention to them.  BUT... not this one.  From the beginning, the $800 million proposal hit snags.  Primarily, many people from the Fifth Ward and other traditionally African American enclaves were very upset.  The initial proposal called for the closure of several historically significant schools, and brought out a number of community leaders against the project.  Since then, HISD has announced changes, and just today -- pointed out that the bond proposal would need no tax increase.  However, is it too little, too late?

Case in point, the Greater Houston Partnership, the affluent and influential business group that usually rubber stamps education related initiatives, took the rare step of not taking a position.  Its letter, signed by Board Chair John Hofmeister, points to community concerns.  Just click on the image to read full document.  In addition, the NAACP is still weighing its options.  State Reps. Sylvester Turner, and Harold Dutton, have all come out against it.  While most of the Board, and people like State Sen. Mario Gallegos supports the Bond, the fact that there is so much opposition is a rarity.  There are some on the inner circles who have pushed to have the proposal yanked from the November ballot, but that's not going to happen.  Frankly, the bond still might pass.  Dr. Abe Saavedra is making a strong push for it, with chief talking head Terry Abbot at his right hand.  Will HISD convince the voters? Maybe, but it will be a tougher fight than anyone expected.