WALLER ISD Bond Update

May 12, 2007 Waller ISD voters overwhelmingly approved a $49.29 million school bond election. As many of you know funding of these bonds has been delayed due to legal issues involving a small group of opponents.
     So far, the district has won every court ruling. Three district judges, two in Harris County and one in Waller County, and three appellate court justices have ruled in favor of Waller ISD in seven separate proceedings pertaining to the bond election.
     Feb. 27 the Houston Chronicle led its editorial section with a very positive article for Waller ISD. The headline: “Costly obstruction: Lawsuits delaying the issue of HISD and Waller school bonds are punishing students and taxpayers.” In this article the Chronicle’s editorial board publicly puts its opinion on the bond “issues” in favor of both Waller ISD and Houston ISD (HISD). (You may read this article in its entirety at http://www.chron.com.) Waller ISD officials feel this is a tremendous step forward for the district.
     In the case of HISD, pending lawsuits remain in federal court, but all issues in state court have been resolved. As such, the attorney general announced Feb. 26, he will approve the sale of HISD’s bonds. Similarly, Waller ISD anticipates the same approval for its bonds once appeals to the Supreme Court have been resolved regardless of pending federal lawsuits. The district hopes to receive communication from the Supreme Court with regard to the pending appeals very soon.
     “The attorney general's decision (in the case of HISD) points to a clear path to victory in Waller,” WISD attorney Pat Mizell with Vinson and Elkins, LLP said, “"When the appeal in the Supreme Court is dismissed, the bonds should be approved."
     “I want to say again how thankful I am for your continued support over the last year. Waller ISD will continue to fight to uphold the will of its voters,” WISD Superintendent Richard McReavy said.
     As always, WISD will keep the public informed and up-to-date on any new developments. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Sarah Stephenson at sastephe@wallerisd.net or 936.931.0309.