The Bryan school board has been asked to call a $175 million dollar bond issue next May.

The recommendation from the Bryan ISD bond steering committee was presented during the December 2 school board meeting.

If the steering committee's proposal is approved by the board and by voters, there would be a tax rate increase of seven-eighths of one cent. That translates to a property tax increase of $8.75 a year for the owner of a property valued at $100,000 dollars.

More than half of the proposal, $98 million, would be in new construction. That includes a new transportation and maintenance complex at a new location. Bryan ISD communications director Matt LeBlanc says replacing the transportation building is the steering committee's top priority.

At the site of the current transportation and maintenance buildings, east of Bonham school, that property would become the district's third intermediate school. LeBlanc says that would lower intermediate campus populations from 1,200 to 800.

Another item for new construction would expand Rudder high school with 14 more classrooms and additional parking.

The bond steering committee recommended spending nearly $59 million in deferred maintenance. LeBlanc says would take care of needs without asking for another bond issue for five years.

Almost $9 million in safety and security items includes a new fence around Merrill Green stadium, shade structures at all Bryan ISD elementary schools, and more new buses.

And $2.5 million in fine arts programs includes replacing district owned musical instruments and the continued renovation of BISD's performing arts center.

LeBlanc says on December 16, the Bryan school board is scheduled to decide whether to ask the steering committee for additional information. Formal action to call a bond election for next May is possible during a January board meeting.