Judge Dismisses Magnolia ISD Bond Suit, $243M Cleared

**MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas –** A significant legal hurdle has been cleared for Magnolia Independent School District, paving the way for the district to finally move forward with its voter-approved $243 million bond package. On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, Judge Kristin Bays of the 9th State District Court ruled in favor of Magnolia ISD, dismissing a lawsuit that had sought to block the bond’s implementation.

The ruling marks a substantial victory for the district, which has been in a legal battle since late November when a group of local residents filed suit, alleging “illegal electioneering” during the bond campaign.

“We are incredibly pleased with Judge Bays’ decision, which affirms our consistent position that Magnolia ISD conducted the bond election in full compliance with all applicable laws,” said a spokesperson for Magnolia ISD. “This ruling allows us to proceed without further delay in addressing the critical needs of our rapidly growing student population and modernizing our facilities.”

The lawsuit was filed on November 29, 2023, by plaintiffs Jim and Rebecca K. Moore, along with Jonathan and Amy Schwing, and Jonathan B. Schwing as an individual. They claimed the district had improperly utilized public resources to promote the bond’s passage. However, Judge Bays found these claims insufficient to warrant halting the bond, leading to Wednesday’s dismissal.

The $243 million bond package was overwhelmingly approved by Magnolia ISD voters on November 7, 2023, and is crucial for the fast-growing district situated in one of Texas’s rapidly expanding regions. The bond was broken down into three propositions, all of which passed, though some by narrow margins:

* **Proposition A ($220.6 million):** This largest component of the bond garnered 56.41% of the vote. It is earmarked for substantial growth initiatives, including the construction of a new elementary school, a new junior high, significant additions and renovations to both Magnolia High School and Magnolia West High School, as well as land acquisitions for future growth and the purchase of new school buses.
* **Proposition B ($16.6 million):** Approved with 54.38% of the vote, this proposition focuses on enhancing and updating the district’s technology infrastructure, a critical need in modern education.
* **Proposition C ($5.8 million):** The smallest of the three propositions, it passed with the tightest margin at 50.15%. This funding is designated for improvements to district stadiums, specifically adding visitor concessions and restrooms, and installing synthetic turf on athletic fields to enhance safety and usability.

Magnolia ISD officials have consistently maintained that all bond election procedures adhered strictly to state law. With the lawsuit now dismissed, the district can move forward with the process of selling the approved bonds. This will allow for the initiation of planning, design, and construction phases for the various projects outlined in the package, which are vital for accommodating the influx of new students and supporting existing educational programs.

While the plaintiffs retain the option to appeal Judge Bays’ ruling to a higher court, for now, the path is clear for Magnolia ISD to begin implementing the projects that voters approved nearly six months ago. The district anticipates releasing further details on project timelines and next steps in the coming weeks.