What is CTE and how will the bond potentially grow this program?
Career and Technical Education (CTE) are programs that allow for career-based learning. Should the bond pass, Cosmetology and CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) courses/classrooms will be added.

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What is the district’s plan to maintain the new turf fields?

The superintendent and board of trustees have researched the frequency and cost to maintain the new turf. The district has a plan that will allow a part of the budget to be set aside each year to be ear marked for the cost to resurface each field.

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How will this bond affect renters?

Renters are not directly impacted, as they are not the ones paying the property tax bills; that responsibility falls to the property owner or management company. Ultimately, whether or not the property owner passes along any potential increase would be up to them.

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What is a bond?

A bond is similar to a home mortgage. It is a contract to repay borrowed money with an interest rate over time. A school district sells bonds to competing lenders to raise funds for construction, renovations, and equipment costs.

 

What is a bond election?

What is a bond election? It's like asking for permission to take out a loan. As per state law, school districts must get voters' approval to sell bonds to investors. This money is then used to renovate existing buildings or build new schools. Just like a family takes out a mortgage loan for their home, a school board calls a bond election for voters to decide if they want to pay for proposed facility projects.

 

Why do school districts need to sell bonds?

Most school districts in Texas use bonds to finance renovations and new facilities. A bond provides money to the District to renovate or construct buildings or related infrastructure without the District having to use its Maintenance and Operations (“M&O”) fund, which funds its regular operations, such as school programs, teachers, and staff. 

 

Why would a bond election be the way to pay for these projects rather than paying for them as we go?

Districts issue bonds to finance large, costly projects, spreading the cost across the project's useful life. Paying for the projects over time ensures that these projects, which would take many years to accumulate enough funding to pay for as we go, are not delayed and can be placed into use sooner.

History has shown that construction inflation typically outpaces interest costs and is not fixed, as the Interest will be on bonds.

 

How can bond funds be used?

Bond funds can be used to pay for new buildings, additions, renovations to existing facilities, land acquisition, technology infrastructure, equipment, new or existing buildings, and large-ticket items such as school buses. Bonds cannot be used for salaries or operating costs such as utility bills, supplies, building maintenance, fuel, and insurance. Texas law requires that voter-approved bond proceeds be used only for projects described in the ballot propositions.

 

How is the District tax rate configured? 

A school district's tax rate has two components: the Maintenance and Operations tax (M&O) and the Interest and Sinking tax (I&S). The M&O rate is used to operate the school district, including salaries, utilities, furniture, supplies, food, gas, etc. The I&S rate is used to pay off school construction bonds. Bond sales only affect the I&S rate.

 

If the bond election is passed, does the school district immediately incur the debt?

The bonds do not cost the District anything until they are sold. Even if the voters approve the bond issue, no costs are incurred until the bonds are sold. This ensures that the District only incurs debt when necessary and planned for.

 

How will the District ensure accountability for approved bond projects, including project budgets?

Rest assured, the District fully commits to transparency and accountability in executing approved bond projects. Regular updates on project progress, timelines, and bond funds use will be available on the District's website to keep you well-informed about use of  your tax dollars.