At Lake Belton Middle School and Belton Middle School, once the bell rings, students pour out of classrooms one by one, until a sea of bodies fills the hallways.
Faculty members said that’s the case with every period change.
"Our middle school is where we're most crowded," explained Belton Independent School District Superintendent Vivian Baker.
Voters showed they want to help fix that problem Tuesday, when they passed a $29 million school bond package.
A sign on property near the intersection of Loop 121 and US 190, marks the spot in where Belton’s third middle school will be built.
 |  |
 | |  |
| | | | | | | |
Belton Bond
News 8's McLennan Bonnie Gonzalez shows us how the election results will help ease school overcrowding.
 
| | |
| | | | | |
|
"It's always great to have the best resources and the best facilities for both our students and for our teachers," Baker said.
Out of 4,329 voters, 54 percent voted in favor of the bond, while 46 percent voted against it.
Belton resident Curtis Benson said he was not in support of the bond.
"Taxes are always an issue," he said.
Residents will see an estimated tax increase of 5.4 percent per $100 valuation. The increase won't affect seniors over the age of 65, though status must be granted through the Tax Appraisal District of Bell County.
"It would be beneficial to my children who will be coming up through middle school to maybe have more one-on-one with the teachers, smaller classrooms," Belton resident Gay Padgett said.
Baker said the bond is designated for instructional buildings.
"That bond money cannot be used to bring in new staff," Baker said.
She said there will normal school maintenance funds will cover the cost of new staff. The school is expected to open in about two years.
A similar bond of nearly $39-million, which included funding for high school athletic facilities, failed to pass in May.
