AUSTIN, Texas — The Carver Library is the only early voting location in East Austin. Local parent Vincent Tovar is heading there to vote "yes" on the Austin Independent School District’s biggest bond yet. He has two children in Austin ISD schools.

“East Austin schools deserve brand new buildings, deserve sustainability and deserve a promising future," Tovar said. "If the bond fails, there’s none of that.”

The $1 billion package aims to bring 21st century learning district-wide. While every school would see some improvement, 16 schools would get major upgrades. AISD calls them new or like-new campuses. 

RELATED COVERAGE: Austin ISD bonds in the hands of voters 

“Updates in technology, much more flexible learning spaces more opportunities for students to be able to communicate in different ways, collaborate on a regularly basis, think creatively. They're just different opportunities when we look at what's needed for the student in the years out - not just tomorrow or today,” said Dr. Paul Cruz, superintendent for Austin ISD.

But other parents fear schools will close in the ever-changing East Austin neighborhood. Critics believe the district should spend funding on academic programs and ideas to boost enrollment.

“What’s happening to the inner, the urban core schools in our neighborhoods? What’s happening to them? They’re losing enrollment. There’s not a transfer busing system," said Bertha Delaga, founder of Save East Austin Schools. Her two children attended an Austin ISD high school. "There's nothing implemented to keep these schools flourishing, to keep them going, to keep them open.” 

RELATED COVERAGE: Austin ISD pitches billion dollar bond proposal via tour of outdated facilities 

Ultimately, voters will have to decide if the biggest bond in the district's history puts money in the right places.

For more information on the bond visit: austinisd.org/bond.