Does San Angelo ISD Need a $400 Million Bond?

SAN ANGELO, TX — Newly installed San Angelo Chamber of Commerce President Steve Ahlenius made a case for the San Angelo ISD’s upcoming bond during a Friday address to the Rotary Club. He argued that passing the bond is vital for the community’s future. The district is considering a $403 million construction bond, possibly split into two ballot choices: $112 million for a new Glenn Middle School and $281 million for district-wide upgrades. The final decision on the bond amount will come next school board meeting and the ballot referendum will likely be placed on the May 2025 ballot .

Ahlenius emphasized that high-performing public schools define communities and drive growth. “No one wants to move to a bad school district,” he said, underscoring the Chamber’s belief that quality schools enhance a city’s value. However, the argument faces an uphill battle, as trust in public schools has eroded over the years due to political and cultural controversies.

The landscape of public education is shifting rapidly. With a private school voucher bill gaining traction in the Texas Legislature, questions arise about the future of public schools. The Texas Legislature is considering a $1 billion voucher initiative in 2025, allocating $10,000 per student annually for private schools. Additionally, a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision could allow taxpayer-funded religious charter schools, further fragmenting K-12 education.

San Angelo ISD has already experienced a steady enrollment decline for decades. From a peak of 16,488 students in 1990, enrollment has dropped to 13,175 in 2024, despite the city’s population growing from 85,955 to 99,262 during the same period. Many parents of students have opted for alternatives, including Texas Leadership Public Schools (TLCA), Premier High School, and rural districts like Christoval and Wall. An estimated 1,317 students are homeschooled, further contributing to the decline.