AISD officials stress urgency at town hall
Albany ISD officials took their message directly to the community last week, with 58 residents attending the first town hall meeting on the proposed $26 million school bond held March 25 at the high school auditorium.
The meeting provided the clearest picture yet of both the condition of the district’s current facilities and the growing urgency behind the proposal to construct a new consolidated Pre-K through 12 campus.
Superintendent Daryl Stuard opened the meeting by pointing to a gap between the community’s support for students and the environment they are learning in.
“This community does so much for kids,” Stuard said. “The facilities just don’t match that.”
Throughout the evening, district leaders repeatedly emphasized that the current buildings are not only aging, but are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and operate. Ongoing issues with electrical systems, water infrastructure, and overall layout continue to present challenges, even as staff work to keep the buildings functioning.
Stuard told those in attendance that the district is doing everything possible to extend the life of the facilities, but concerns are mounting.
“We’re just hopeful those facilities will last two more years,” he said.
Rather than continuing to invest in short-term fixes, officials said the bond represents a long-term solution that would provide modern classrooms, improved safety features, updated technology, and a more efficient layout for students and staff.
The proposed plan calls for a single-campus design that would separate grade levels while allowing for shared resources such as cafeteria and library services. Existing facilities like the auditorium and band hall would be retained and renovated, while new construction would address the district’s most pressing needs.
Architect C.W. Farris of Harper Perkins Architects presented early design concepts, explaining that the new campus would be built to serve current students while allowing for modest future growth, all while reflecting the character of Albany.
Financial details were also a key part of the discussion, with the district’s financial consultant present to walk attendees through the structure of the bond, tax impact, and long-term considerations.
The bond would be funded through the district’s Interest and Sinking (I&S) tax rate, which is dedicated specifically to construction projects. For the average homeowner, based on a home value of approximately $184,000, the estimated impact would be about $18.35 per month, or $220 per year. Residents age 65 and older with a homestead exemption would not see an increase above their current tax ceiling.
Officials noted that Albany ISD has not carried bond debt since 1995, and even with the proposed increase, the district’s tax rate would remain competitive with surrounding schools.
At the same time, district leaders cautioned that delaying the project could make the situation worse, both financially and structurally.
“If this doesn’t pass and we come back in five years, you’re looking at about a 20 percent increase,” Stuard said, citing rising construction costs.
The timeline presented shows the project taking approximately 26 months from planning through completion, meaning a new campus could open as early as 2028 if voters approve the bond.
Beyond the financial and structural concerns, officials emphasized that the proposal is ultimately about providing students with a safe, functional, and modern learning environment that reflects the values of the Albany community.
Another town hall meeting is scheduled for April 23 at 6 p.m. at the elementary gym, where residents will have another opportunity to review the proposal and ask questions ahead of the May 2 election.
