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This is the first in a three (3) part series concerning what the Watchdog$ consider “fluff” in the proposed $261.5 million dollar blank check. In reviewing the bond in detail we have noted some interesting things:

$59.2 Million of the total bond represents estimated costs to build three (3) new elementary schools. The Watchdog$ recently spoke to the Assistant Superintendent at Klein ISD. He advised that a new elementary school that will be built sometime between 2007 and 2008 is projected to cost $13.6 million. The proposed costs for the new KISD elementary schools are $20.3 million, $18.9 million and $19.9 million. Our proposed schools are projected, on average, $6.1 million higher.

A similar situation exists in Humble ISD. On average, Humble’s projected elementary school costs are $8.4 million less than what is called for in our bond. Why is that? Maybe the district should consider finding out who the building contractor and architect are in Klein and Humble.

$57.3 Million of the total bond represents estimated costs to build two (2) new junior high schools. Per the Cy-Fair ISD Web site, Cy-Fair’s junior highs are coming in close to $22 million. The proposed costs for the new KISD junior high schools are $27.5 million and $29.8 million respectively. Why is that? Once again, is KISD using the wrong contractor and architect?

$11,211,812 of the total bond represents property acquisition costs. The fact is the district needs to tell these developers that the KISD ATM is broken. The Watchdog$ feel that these developers need to begin donating these tracts of land to the district. The developers need to understand that if the district goes broke there isn’t going to be any demand for housing in this area.

And while you’re chewing on the above, ask yourself, why is bigger better? Why does the district want to encourage all of this growth in our area? Do you think that the growth so far in this district has been a benefit?

Chris Cottrell
Co-Founder/Katy Citizen Watchdog$
Katy

$59.2 Million of the total bond represents estimated costs to build three (3) new elementary schools. The Watchdog$ recently spoke to the Assistant Superintendent at Klein ISD. He advised that a new elementary school that will be built sometime between 2007 and 2008 is projected to cost $13.6 million. The proposed costs for the new KISD elementary schools are $20.3 million, $18.9 million and $19.9 million. Our proposed schools are projected, on average, $6.1 million higher.

Chris Cottrell
Co-Founder/Katy Citizen Watchdog$
Katy