UPDATE 4/9/20
The Bond election has been postponed until November 3, 2020.
UPDATE: 4/7/20
Oakwood ISD is currently reviewing the information sent out by the Secretary of State and, with legal counsel and Board approval, will be making an announcement regarding our election in the coming days.
Original Post 4/1/20
The Oakwood ISD Bond election is currently scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 2 from 7 am to 7 pm at the Oakwood ISD cafeteria. Early voting is scheduled April 20-28 (weekdays) from 8 am until 4 pm at the Administrative Building. The recent "Shelter in Place" order allows for elections to continue to take place at this time. As always, the safety and health of our students and community is the top priority of Oakwood ISD, and as such, all social distancing policies and procedures will be strictly followed during the election.
An update on early voting by mail:
To be eligible to vote early by mail in Texas, you must:
- be 65 years or older;
- be disabled;
- be out of the county on election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance; or
- be confined in jail, but otherwise eligible.
Of note is that one of the grounds for voting by mail is disability. The Election Code defines “disability” to include “a sickness or physical condition that prevents the voter from appearing at the polling place on election day without a likelihood of needing personal assistance or of injuring the voter's health.” (Sec. 82.002). If a voter believes they meet this criteria, they can submit an application for a ballot by mail.
Any changes to this ballot by mail policy due to the Coronavirus or changes to the overall election process brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic will be communicated as we receive that information.
Oakwood ISD mailed out several Bond informational brochures this week to voters, placed copies at several local businesses, and dropped off copies at Oakwood City Hall. Additional copies are also available at the Administrative Building at school for anyone interested.
Should anyone have questions, please email rholden@oakwoodisd.net and I will be happy to put together a list of questions and answers to create a virtual discussion regarding the Bond proposition. I can then publish that on the Oakwood ISD website for everyone to see. At this time, having a town hall meeting to discuss the Bond proposition in person does not seem possible with the COVID-19 restrictions that are in place, but getting input and feedback from the community is still a high priority as the school continues to plan and look to the future for our students and our school. Once, again, please do not hesitate to call the school at 903-545-2600 or email me with any questions or concerns you may have. Please stay healthy and safe!
Thank you!
Russell Holden
Oakwood ISD Superintendent
Panther Fight Never Dies!