Voters overwhelmingly passed a $13.2 million bond proposition Tuesday that will fund expansion of facilities in Van ISD, unofficial incomplete returns showed.

There were 832 votes or 66.45 percent for the bond and 420 voters, or 33.55 percent, opposed, according to the incomplete returns. Van Zandt County returns are complete but unofficial. Smith County reported totals from 72 of 73 precincts.

“We are thankful to our voters for showing their support of our school district,” Van ISD Superintendent Don Dunn said. “The passage of this bond will accommodate our growth and alleviate the overcrowding at our campuses. We cannot express our thanks enough for the direction and guidance of everyone who made this possible. Van ISD remains steadfast in our pursuit of inspiring and preparing all students to be successful.”

The bond issue is needed to address increasing enrollment and is not related to damage the district suffered from an F3 tornado that hit the Van area in May, school officials said.

The bond proposition earmarks $2.6 million for Van Intermediate School to add four classrooms, a restroom expansion and a multipurpose physical education facility.

It sets aside $3.1 million for Van Middle School for a six-classroom expansion, a restroom expansion and an intermediate multi-purpose room.

The bond proposition will provide $7.5 million for Van High School for an 11-classroom expansion, updated shop facilities for ag science and building/metal trades, a graphic design lab, journalism/photography lab, computer aided design/engineering lab, business lab, health science lab and restroom expansion.

The school tax on the average house valued at $106,209 will increase 6.0 cents from $1.5214 per $100 valuation to $1.5820.

That is an increase in the average taxpayer’s school tax of $3.02 per month or $36.34 per year, according to information from the district.

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