Tyler ISD Bond Proposal Passes by Wide Margin; Other Election Results

EAST TEXAS – John Tyler and Robert E. Lee High Schools will be undergoing major renovations in the next few years. That’s the outcome of Saturday’s bond election, in which the makeovers were approved by a margin of approximately 83 to 17 per cent. School district officials value the project at $198 million. Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford is among those celebrating. He says the results show “Tyler’s commitment to its kids, and it’s a game changer for generations of kids in Tyler, Texas.” Next up: fine-tuning architectural plans, with an eye on breaking ground next spring. Crawford estimates construction will take about two years.

In Tyler’s only other local election, Bob Westbrook was elected as the new District 5 city councilman, garnering some 74 per cent of the votes in a race against Alan Lizarraga. Westbrook says a lot of hard work went into his campaign, “and it all paid off. It was truly a team of volunteer and community support and great friend support.” His top priority once he takes office: “We’ll be looking for ways to cut some additional costs, find more efficiencies, or contract out and find better ways to do business more efficiently.” You can go to http://www.smith-county.com/Government/Departments/Elections/newResults.aspx for a complete look at election results around Smith County.

In Gregg County, two major items were on the ballot in White Oak, and both were approved. According to KETK, off-premise sale of beer and wine within the city limits was approved by a vote count of 776 to 439. And the White Oak ISD $19 million facilities and infrastructure bond got the nod with 858 votes in favor and 473 against. In the city of Kilgore, Ronnie Spradlin won another term as mayor. Spradlin was chosen by 412 voters, while 194 opted for challenger Victor Boyd.

In another area election, Jacksonville voters passed a $21 million school bond proposal. The project will cover the renovation of the Tomato Bowl and fund additions and renovations to the Career & Technical facility at Jacksonville High School. The final tally was 1,020 votes in favor with 265 against. In Mineola, the school bond proposal of $41 million for the construction of a new high school, career and technology center, and performing arts center was not approved by voters. According to MISD Superintendent Kim Tunnell, the preliminary election count shows 46% in favor and 54% against.