Bexar County Voters to Consider $987 Million Bond Proposal for Alamo Colleges District
Local leaders in business and workforce development are advocating for a significant investment in education as Bexar County prepares to vote on Proposition A. This nearly $1 billion bond proposal aims to facilitate program expansion and infrastructure upgrades within the Alamo Colleges District (ACD).
Overview of Proposition A
The Bond Election will take place on May 3, following a series of local political races, including mayoral and city council elections. If passed, the bond allocation would support a variety of educational improvements for the five community colleges and several training centers under ACD, which collectively serve 79,000 students.
Purpose of the Bond
The proposed bond seeks to enhance ACD’s ability to offer comprehensive career and technical education across several critical sectors, including:
- Engineering
- Health care
- Information Technology and cybersecurity
- Emerging technologies
- Applied technology and construction trades
- Automotive technology and transportation
Additionally, ACD plans to establish four new campuses in strategic locations: Brooks City Base, Port San Antonio, South Texas Medical Center, and a new North Central site.
Funding Allocation
The bond requires a simple majority for approval, and, if passed, it would be allocated as follows:
- Northeast Lakeview College: $95 million for a science, engineering, and technology building, and a career technical program expansion.
- San Antonio College: $120 million for architecture, drafting, engineering programs, and a new School of Nursing and Health Professions.
- Northwest Vista College: $130 million to expand its campus and establish a School of Emerging Technologies.
- St. Philip’s College: $115 million for an Automotive Technology Center and a new Construction Technology Center.
- Palo Alto College: $95 million towards an automotive and heavy machinery program and a Center of Applied Technology.
- General Infrastructure: $247 million for districtwide improvements, including a new community center and IT upgrades.
Projected Growth and Community Impact
The ACD anticipates enrollment growth from 79,000 to 100,000 students by 2030. Leaders emphasize that investing in education enhances accessibility and workforce readiness, which is crucial for the local economy.
“I was a first-gen student, and I didn’t have a precedent for what it was like to be in college,” said Adrianna Swindle, an ACD alumnus. “Breaking down some of the barriers of intimidation and environments like these can actually help our city grow significantly.”
No Tax Burden for Residents
Chancellor Mike Flores has assured the community that if approved, the bond will not increase property taxes. This is due to expected population growth in Bexar County, generating additional property tax revenue without raising rates.
Support from Business Community
Broad support from local business leaders highlights the bond’s potential to develop a skilled workforce. As local organizations rally for the proposal, they connect education and workforce initiatives to broader economic growth.
“Dramatic growth brings opportunity and responsibility. The backbone of any strong economy is an educated, skilled workforce,” stated Katie Ferrier, vice president of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.
With early voting scheduled from April 22 to April 29, community discussion around the bond continues, and many are optimistic about the future of educational development in Bexar County.
For more details on educational initiatives and candidates on the ballot, visit the Bexar County voter guide.