What is a bond election?
Other than using cash, a bond election is the only way Texas law allows school districts to fund additions, renovations, and new facilities. School districts borrow money in the form of bonds to finance these projects from design through construction. This is similar to homeowners borrowing money in the form of a mortgage to finance a home.
Why call a bond election?
Bond interest rates are at an all-time low in the 41-year history of Bond Buyer Index. If districts need to borrow money, now is the time in order to lock-in historically low borrowing costs.
How was the bond proposal developed?
A Facility Advisory Committee with nearly 50 parents, staff members, and community leaders toured the district and reviewed data to identify potential needs and make a recommendation regarding a bond election. The Board of Trustees unanimously accepted the committee’s recommendation.
Why are there two propositions?
Bullard ISD is complying with a recently enacted state law that requires certain projects, including athletic facilities, to be listed as a separate proposition.
What is the plan for the district’s new middle school?
If the bond election passes, a design process will begin, which involves input from a variety of district stakeholders. The plan is for a new campus to increase capacity to 1,200 students, allowing for expected enrollment growth. Sixth-grade would also be added to the current seventh and eighth grades at the new campus. District-owned land at Hwy 69 and FM 2493 is the planned location.
What will happen to the existing middle school campus?
The bond is proposing to renovate and repurpose the existing campus once a new middle school is constructed. The repurposed campus would serve as an intermediate school.
What is being proposed for Bullard Primary and Bullard Elementary?
If the bond election passes, an addition will be constructed to join the two campuses as one elementary school.
Why are teacher salary raises not included in the Bond?
A school district’s tax rate is comprised of two components or “buckets”. The first bucket is the Maintenance and Operations budget (M&O), which funds daily costs and recurring or consumable expenditures such as teacher and staff salaries, supplies, software and utilities. The second bucket is the Interest and Sinking budget (I&S), also known as Debt Service, and that is for longer-term capital improvements approved by voters through bond elections. I&S funds cannot by law be used to pay M&O expenses, which means that voter-approved bonds cannot be used to increase teacher salaries or pay rising costs for utilities and services.
How much will my taxes increase?
The proposed total tax rate would be $1.452, an increase of approximately 9.5 cents. For a $100,000 BISD home, this would mean an increase of $4.79 a month. A personal tax calculator and other information related to the tax impact are located on the Tax Impact page.
Would my taxes go up if I am over 65 years of age?
No. By law, if you receive an Age 65 or Older Exemption, your homestead tax rate cannot be raised above the frozen level unless you make significant improvements to your home. A significant improvement would be anything beyond normal maintenance or repair, such as building a swimming pool or adding a garage or game room.
I am over 65 years old. How do I make sure my taxes are frozen?
To apply for the Age 65 freeze, contact your county’s Central Appraisal District.
- Cherokee County – cherokeecad.com, 903-683-2296
- Smith County – smithcad.org, 903-510-8600
When and where can I vote?
Early voting and Election Day voting for all Bullard ISD residents will take place at Bullard Southern Baptist Church, 716 N. Houston St., Bullard 75757. Cast your ballot from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25-30, or from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 2, 3 or 7. Visit the voting page for more information.
I am retired and rent a home in Bullard ISD. Can I vote in the election?
All registered voters of Bullard ISD may cast a ballot in the bond election. Whether you are renting or own a home within district boundaries, you just need to be registered to vote with that address.
Will the new middle school also include a new track?
Yes, the new campus will feature all facilities associated with the operation of a middle school. This includes a new track, tennis courts, parking, and more. If the bond passes, a design process will then begin, which solicits stakeholder input.
Where will the new baseball, softball, and tennis complex, as well as the multipurpose center be located?
The district is currently looking at options for both. The goal is to move the baseball, softball, and tennis complex closer to the high school in order to increase safety and ease of access for student-athletes and coaches. Depending on the design of the new multipurpose center, the goal is to locate it in between the current field house and the stadium. If the bond passes, a design process will then begin, which solicits stakeholder input.
How will the grade structure change when 6th grade is added to the middle school?
Along with a new middle school, the bond is proposing renovations to the existing middle school, as well as an addition to join Bullard Primary and Bullard Elementary. It is anticipated that the renovated campus will become the intermediate school, serving grades 3-5. The combined elementary campus would then hold PreK-2nd grades. Final determinations will depend upon the design process, if the bond passes.
What is the construction timeline?
If the bond passes, projects are anticipated to be complete in time for the start of the 2024-25 school year. A design process would begin immediately, soliciting stakeholder input on each project before construction begins.
What happens if the bond doesn’t pass?
Bullard is growing, and Bullard ISD is growing with it. If the bond does not pass, the district will have to take a reactive approach to address campus capacities using available M&O funds, instead of voter-approved I&S (bond) funds. This means the district will need to purchase temporary or portable buildings to add learning spaces to accommodate student growth.
Is the tax impact the same if both propositions pass?
Yes, the tax impact of $4.79 for a $100,000 valuation is the same if both Proposition A and Proposition B pass as it would be if only Proposition A passes.