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A lot has been accomplished since voters in Port Arthur Independent School District approved a $195 million bond proposal in 2014.

There was the construction of the Memorial 9th Grade Academy, three new elementary schools were constructed and some schools saw major renovation.

So far, out of the $195 million received, $182 million has been spent, according to information from PAISD. And as projects are completed and additional funds become available, additional projects have been completed and/or pursued.

Motorists driving down 9th Avenue just off Texas 73 can see the work being done on the Support Services Center. The facility will house the district’s maintenance, shipping and receiving, custodial, IT, textbooks, transportation and print shop departments, according to an April 2023 article by the Port Arthur News.

There are now murals both inside and outside and renovations of a large sign which was designed by a recent Memorial High School graduate. The estimated date for substantial completion is March-April 2025, according to district information.

Two new additions are being constructed at Adams elementary, one is a multi-purpose room and the other will be used as a classroom. Substantial complete date is in May 2025 timeframe.

Lakeview school is also getting some additional space and Thomas Jefferson Middle School auditorium needed some renovations, a new electrical system and new HVAC which was funded with Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.

MHS Athletic Practice Field has been completed with minor modifications underway.

Port Arthur Alternative Campus saw some renovations with the bond proceeds to accommodate the needs of an alternative campus as opposed to an elementary campus, according to the district.

Tyrrell elementary will see renovations of the new cafeteria to start in the early part of 2025 as well as a few other renovations.

There were also security enhancements, cafeteria enhancements, signs/marquees and other additional work planned.

 

Proposed bond propositions

Trustees with Port Arthur Independent School District are proposing two bond propositions, which total $300 million to be placed on the May 3 ballot.

Proposition A includes construction of a new middle school campus thus replacing both existing middle school campuses, adding to the Career and Technology facility, doubling it in size while adding a number of programs, including a newcomers addition to be added to the administration building, and more.

Proposition B calls for a new competition stadium with a capacity of 11,700 spectators.

If approved by voters, PAISD’s Interest and Sinking Fund tax rate will increase. However, state law requires every school district to include the statement “This is a property tax increase” on the ballot regardless of the actual impact on the district’s tax rate, according to information from PAISD.