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The votes are in, and now the work begins.
Voters on May 6 approved two school district bond measures and made changes to school boards and city councils across the Wilson County News coverage area. Voter turnout was light in all the local elections.
School bonds
The Nixon-Smiley Consolidated and La Vernia independent school districts will lay out the groundwork on construction projects, following approval by voters in both school districts.
La Vernia’s $109 million bond comprised two packages, with campus renovations and improvements (Proposition A) totaling $108 million and replacement of artificial turf in Bear Stadium accounting for the remainder. Voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition A — 1,229 votes for, and 526 against. Proposition B, while also approved, came through by a narrower margin, 1,016 to 737.
“I would like to congratulate the La Vernia community on the passing of BOND 2023!” Dr. Hensley Cone, La Vernia superintendent, told the Wilson County News. “This is a great example of our community coming together to support our schools.”
The bond’s passage will benefit the district’s schools for years to come, he added. The school board — which now includes Stewart Krisch, who was unopposed to replace Nancy Janysek on the board — met May 9 to begin addressing bond construction business. Krisch was set to be sworn in with incumbents Shawn Strey and Jeff Towns, who were unopposed for re-election.
“Our district is deeply appreciative of the unwavering support from Nixon-Smiley CISD voters,” Superintendent Jeff Van Auken said May 8, following Saturday’s election results. “The approval of all five propositions in the recent bond election means that our students and staff will benefit from improved facilities, safer campuses, and more resources to enhance education.”
Nixon-Smiley CISD’s five bond propositions total $37.9 million, including $1.8 million to install artificial turf in the football stadium. The proposals include roof replacements and building remodeling, along with improvements to the district softball and baseball facilities, and concession and restroom updates in the football stadium. Voters approved the five bond measures in separate actions.
“We are excited for community members to serve on various building committees as we collaborate to deliver the best possible facilities for our students and staff!” Van Auken said.
Aly Tschoepe will continue to serve on the Nixon-Smiley school board, outpolling contender Loyce Adcock- Rice. Chris Villasana was unopposed in his re-election bid.
Council results
There’s no change at the helm in the city of Stockdale, after Mayor Ray Wolff narrowly outpolled Patty Stahl, 59-51, with Juan Jesus Diaz garnering only 12 votes.
However, area residents voted for change on the Floresville, China Grove, and Nixon city councils. For unofficial results of city and school board races, see page 10A; for more on the Floresville council results, see related story, page 1A.
