Ector County recently had on the ballot two propositions to build a brand new high school, a tech school, and fund the cost of repairs and make modern updates to the old and outdated buildings.
All of that is most likely needed. These are my opinions why they failed. To be clear, I voted yes on both, but not for the reasons you may suspect.
1. Two years ago the school board voted to buy 100 acres in northeast Ector County. This location we were told is where the new high school would be built. Yes, the population growth has been in that area. But West Odessa has existed for years. So, it was predetermined two years ago. I would call that school Permian East. Two years ago it was not thought that West Ector County needed a high school. Prior to election day ads were being shown that West Odessa needed a high school next. So another bond for $187 million would be 3 years after Permian East was built. Why not now? Maybe voters did ask.
2. West of Farm Market Road 1936 there are 4 (four) elementary schools. Where do those kids later go to middle school and how do they get there? West Odessa is in Ector County, ECISD.
3. For years there has been an east side versus the south/west side. Where is Ratliff
Stadium. Remember why it could not be built on I-20.
4. Saying the tax increase for a $100,000 house is $12 per month ($144 year). We can do the math, but who lives in a $100,000 house. So every $100,000 increase goes up $144, $288, $432, $622. It was a lead on.
5. Just a few years ago ECISD asked for another bond to get 9the graders on the high school campus, so money was spent to enlarge both PHS & OHS. That bond has not been paid off. So with the addition of nint graders the campuses are over crowded, a problem by our own design.
6. The bond had their supporters and individuals giving their name in support. I call that the “A” list. Good people, very good people. I know their names and what they do for Odessa. How many live in West Odessa? When the vote goes 60/40 we are not listening to the 60.
7. ECISD has a teacher shortage, where are all the new teachers coming from and where are they going to live.
8. 6A is only for football. As a fan (former player) the talent would be divided among 3 schools?
Terry Lange
Ector County Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1
