Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD’s bond issue failed in Saturday’s election.
The proposed $50 million bond plan lost 854 to 528, meaning 61.79 percent of the voters turned the measure down.
The bonds were to be used for improving student learning environments, enhancing school safety, and addressing facility needs across the district — including a new Coldspring Intermediate campus, renovations at Lincoln Junior High, additions at James Street Elementary, six new school buses, and district-wide upgrades.
A statement from the district posted on Facebook said that while the outcome was not what was hoped for, the district is genuinely grateful to everyone who supported this vision for the students and schools.
“This proposal represented more than two years of listening, planning, and collaboration rooted in what the district believed COCISD could become. Though the measure did not pass, that work matters — and so does the feedback our community has shared.
“What remains unchanged is our commitment to every child who is served, and providing an excellent education for each student is, and always will be, our greatest priority.
“The heart of COCISD lives in our classrooms, and that work continues every single day.”
The district had a similar bond issue before voters in the November 2025 general election, but that failed as well.
In the three school board trustee positions that were up for election, one sitting member was unseated.
In the race for Position 6, T.J. Strickland got 706 votes to win over incumbent and current board secretary Dale Richards, who received 479.
In the race for Position 5, Daniel Williams got 816 votes to win the open seat over Keith Pinkston, who received 296.
Position 7 incumbent and current board vice president, M.J. Coker, ran unopposed.
•In the election for the Cleveland School District, a portion of which is in San Jacinto County, one incumbent candidate lost and one kept the seat.
For Position 6, incumbent and current board secretary Deborah “Wendy” McNair tied challenger Aaron Montesnieto with 7 votes each, but overall, McNair was unseated by Montesnieto 189-152.
For Position 7, San Jacinto County voters gave Dixie Marshall 3 votes over incumbent Marvin Searles Sr., who got 2; however, overall, Searles retained his seat after garnering 273 votes to Marshall’s 77.
All vote totals are unofficial until canvassed.
