Frequently Asked Questions

What is on the ballot?

What do the bond propositions include?

Proposition A - $17,222,744
For the purposes of improving and equipping school facilities, including renovating the Junior High School and District-wide heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) replacements, the purchase of new school buses, and the purchase of vehicles to be used for emergency, safety, or security purposes.

Proposition B - $1,975,000
For the purposes of updating and equipping Panther Stadium, including turf replacement, lighting and track resurfacing.

Proposition C - $802,256
For the purposes of improving and equipping the tennis complex, including restrooms and related infrastructure.

Voters will decide on each proposition separately.

Can you explain the bond process for a Texas school district?

Facility Study – The district works with an architect to study school buildings and identify needs (repairs, new construction, safety, etc.).
Facilities Committee – A group of district staff and Board members reviews the study and helps shape priorities.
Election Planning – The Board decides on key details, such as:

How many propositions (separate items) will be on the ballot.
The election date.

Calling the Election – The Board formally orders the bond election in accordance with state law.
Voter Information – The district creates and shares informational materials so the community understands what is on the ballot.

Will the bond proposals increase the tax rate?

Can you explain how the district is able to propose these bond measures without raising the tax rate?

The bond propositions will not raise the tax rate because the district already has capacity within its existing tax structure. As older bonds are paid down and property values grow, the district can issue new bonds without increasing the tax rate that’s currently in place. In other words, the rate stays the same, but the funds are used to support new projects as debt is retired. That’s why we can propose this package while still keeping the tax rate stable for taxpayers.

Why does the ballot say “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE”?

What are the two tax rates that make up a school district’s property tax rate?

What does the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate fund?

What does the Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rate fund?

How did the district decide that $20 million was the right size for this bond proposal, rather than asking for a larger amount to meet more long-term needs?

The reason this bond proposal is set at $20 million is because that’s about the maximum our bond capacity will allow at this time. If we asked for a larger package, it could restrict our ability to borrow in the future for major needs, such as building a new campus. By keeping this bond at $20 million, we can address today’s most urgent priorities while also protecting the district’s flexibility to respond to future growth and facilities needs.

Can you explain the plan to replace the HVAC Units?

This bond package includes funding to replace about 35% of the district’s HVAC units. The replacements are not random or premature — they are part of our carefully developed, long-term replacement schedule that plans ahead for the next several years. This schedule ensures that we replace units as they reach the end of their useful life, rather than waiting until they fail, which could cause learning disruptions and costly emergency repairs. The work will be districtwide, but the largest share will take place at the High School, since many of those systems are nearing the end of their service life. By following this replacement plan, our maintenance team spreads out costs over time, preventing a sudden, overwhelming hit to the budget while also keeping our classrooms comfortable and safe for students and staff.

Is there a bidding process for the bond projects?

If approved, would the new bond be paid off at the same time as the old bond?

What is the purpose of contingency costs?

Who can vote?