Board Hosts Town Meeting

(CAMERON) The Cameron School Board held a town meeting Thursday in hopes of educating the public and answering questions about the proposed $7 million bond issue. Board President Gene Vaculin told those attending, and those listening by way of radio, that over the past 4 months, the board had to meet several deadlines in order to offer the public the opportunity to capture more state funds for facilities. The board learned earlier this year that the State Legislature could designate state funds for new construction, and that Cameron could qualify for up to two-thirds funding from the state. With that opportunity at hand, the board felt it "their duty" to offer the opportunity to the voters of the Cameron School District.

Architect Jim Booher was on hand along with George Williford of First Southwest. Booher reviewed the building project, including the new high school, the renovations to the old Ben Milam school, and the covered walkways connecting each campus building. Williford reviewed the tax impact from the past and present bond issues.

Two Cameron residents voiced their opposition to the bond issue during the meeting. Danny Smith (pictured right) said "eventually your taxes are going up, so your tax dollars have to come from somewhere, and that means out of my pocket. I haven't been living in the county very long, and I just can't see three bonds on top of three bonds".

Ernest Taylor (pictured below) expressed concern over taxes, and the naming of Cameron Ben Milam. "Tonight what I'd like to say to the board members, to our high school students who are sitting in the present, and to all of you, I am for education, I believe that our children should have a decent facility to study in, and I believe in technology....but when I look around, I see people who are on fixed income, low income, and no income, that own property. And I've seen property that has been taken and sold on the courthouse steps because of non-payment of taxes. Tonight if we even raise the taxes just one penny, that would put a burden on people who can't pay them now." Taylor said "I supported every bond election" in the past but said he has been deceived. First when a new High school wasn't built on the Vogelsang Property. And then when Cameron's new Primary School was named Ben Milam. Taylor said when the new Jr. High school was built, the board was asked to name the school O. J. Thomas. Taylor said the board responded that all the schools would be named "Cameron Elementary" and "Cameron Jr. High".

Board member Marion Cooley reiterated that a brochure printed by the district with bond election information, is a legal binding contract promising the voters of the district, that if state IFA (Instructional Facility Allotment) funds are not available with the current Legislature, no bonds would be issued, even if the election passes. Click on the appropriate icon pictures below for a full size view of the brochure.


George Williford of First Southwest discusses tax impact.	Architect Jim Booher describes the proposed building project	Board President Gene Vaculin explains the proposed bond election