When we talk about the future of Angelina County, we often focus on economic growth, workforce readiness, and quality of life. At the center of each of those conversations is education. Not education in isolation, but education in partnership and community investment.

Strong communities are built when schools, higher education, employers, and civic organizations work together with shared purpose. No single entity can prepare students for success alone. It takes alignment, communication, and a willingness to listen.

In Angelina County, we are fortunate to have educators deeply committed to student success, along with employers eager to engage and help shape the skills needed in today’s workforce. When those two worlds connect, students benefit, and our community grows stronger.

That is why the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce supports both propositions in the upcoming Lufkin ISD bond election. From the Chamber’s perspective, this is not simply a school issue. It is a workforce issue, an economic development issue, and a quality-of-life issue. Proposition A focuses on critical facility improvements, including renovations to Lufkin High School, expansion of Career and Technical Education spaces, construction of an Ag Barn, safety upgrades, and improvements across elementary campuses. Proposition B provides for a new multi-use stadium serving a wide range of student programs and community activities.

Education partnerships create clarity. They help students understand how what they are learning today connects to real opportunities tomorrow. Whether that path leads to college, technical training, the military, or directly into the workforce, students deserve to see how their education applies beyond the classroom.

That is especially true with career and technical education. Proposition A directly invests in hands-on learning and workforce preparation. Expanding CTE space gives students access to practical training aligned with real opportunities in our region, while the addition of an Ag Barn reflects the importance of agriculture in our community.

For families, this investment provides confidence. Parents want to know their children are learning in safe, updated environments. Addressing aging facilities, improving safety, and removing portable buildings creates campuses designed for long-term success while reducing ongoing maintenance costs.

The Chamber’s role is to serve as a connector, bringing educators, employers, and community leaders together to identify gaps and support programs that create real impact.

Proposition B deserves that same thoughtful consideration. While often viewed through an athletic lens, it is a multi-use facility supporting football, track, soccer, band, and more, replacing a stadium that no longer meets safety or accessibility standards.

For me, this is both personal and professional. As a mother with a daughter in Lufkin ISD, I want the very best for her. I want her learning in facilities that are safe, modern, and designed to prepare her for whatever path she chooses. But this goes beyond my own child.

Having previously served as the CVB Director and now as Chamber President, I see firsthand how education and facilities impact our ability to grow. This is not just about attracting visitors for a weekend. It is about attracting businesses, recruiting a skilled workforce, and giving companies confidence that Lufkin is a place where their employees and families can thrive.

When companies consider locating or expanding in a community, they look closely at schools, facilities, and quality of life. They want to know if their workforce will be supported. They want to know if their employees’ children will have access to strong programs and opportunities. Investments like these send a clear message that we are serious about our future.

There is also a financial reality to consider. Construction costs continue to rise at an estimated rate of about 6 percent annually. A $42 million project today could cost approximately $56 million in five years, $75 million in ten, and close to $100 million in fifteen. Waiting does not reduce cost. It increases it significantly. Moving forward now allows us to lock in today’s pricing while delivering a safer, more functional facility.

Just as important is how this investment supports the district’s overall budget. When major facility needs are addressed through a bond, it frees up general operating funds that would otherwise be spent on repairs and aging infrastructure. That flexibility allows districts to better prioritize areas like teacher pay and classroom support.

There is also confusion around school funding. A significant portion of local school tax dollars does not stay in our community due to the state’s recapture system. That makes it even more important to utilize bond funding, which is specifically designed to address local facility needs.

Healthy school districts also plan ahead. It is common for districts to pursue bonds every four to six years to stay ahead of growth and maintenance. Lufkin ISD has not had a bond since 2018. While it may feel sooner, COVID slowed progress, and major projects like Lufkin Middle School have only recently been completed.

Another common misconception is that one bond must be paid off before another begins. That is not how school finance works. Districts structure bonds over time to responsibly manage long-term needs while balancing tax impact.

From an economic standpoint, this is also about opportunity. A modern multi-use facility allows Lufkin to host events that bring visitors into our community, supporting local businesses and strengthening our economy.

At the end of the day, this is about investing in our kids, our workforce, and the future of Angelina County. I encourage you to take a close look at the information, have the conversations, and show up to participate.

You may think you don’t have kids in our schools, so it does not affect you. The truth is, it does. The young people in our community are the ones waiting on you at restaurants, drawing your blood, taking your X-rays, and working in our businesses. They are all our kids, and we each have a role in making sure they are prepared and supported.

Early voting will take place through April 28, with Election Day on May 2. I encourage you to plan ahead and be part of this important decision for our community.