Sharyland ISD board unanimously calls $250 million bond election after public support for natatorium and facility upgrades

The Sharyland Independent School District board voted unanimously to approve an order calling a $250,000,000 bond election after public comment supporting facility repairs and a proposed district natatorium.

Public commenter Isaac Peterczak urged trustees to place the proposal before voters, calling it "balanced and transparent" and saying it grew from months of facilities and planning committee work. "I urge the board to approve placing this bond on our May ballot and allow our community the opportunity to make this very important decision for our district and our community," Peterczak said.

Another resident, Kaylee Edwards, spoke about the proposed natatorium’s benefits for students who need aquatic therapy and for expanding youth swim instruction. "This is for the entire district," Edwards said, describing how access to aquatic training helped one student move from rehabilitation to competitive water polo and arguing that district-wide swim instruction would improve safety.

At the meeting the presiding officer read the item as "Discussion and consideration to approve an order to call a bond election," listing three propositions as presented: Proposition A (general projects) $208,000,500; Proposition B (technology) $6,500,000; Proposition C (aquatic center) $35,000,000. Trustee Hector Rivera moved to approve the order calling the bond election for $250,000,000 "as presented." A motion to approve was seconded, and the board proceeded to a roll-call vote.

Trustees spoke in support before the vote, citing aging buildings, deferred maintenance, and long-serving teachers doing strong work despite limited facilities. Trustees also acknowledged the likelihood of a tax increase tied to debt service while emphasizing that the investment would expand academic and extracurricular opportunities.

On roll call the board recorded unanimous votes in favor: David Keith (Yea); Hector Rivera (Yea); Andrew Riddle (Yea); Megan Sullivan (Yea); Dr. Noe Oliveira (Yea); Julio Sullivan (Yea); and Maritza Venezia (Yea). The board announced the motion passed by a 7-0 vote.

Superintendent Dr. Howard Pfluger thanked the board and community for their trust and pledged to work closely with staff and the public as the district moves forward with outreach and planning. The board did not enter a closed session and adjourned at 06:24.

The motion calls the district to schedule the bond election and resolve matters related to that election; specific election dates and final program details will be provided to the public as they are determined.