Funding for new schools, renovations, expansions, technology, and improved safety come at North Texas schools

Dallas, Texas – In the May 4 election, North Texas school bond proposals had a strong showing with 17 successful propositions and only seven failures, totaling over $1.6 billion in approved bond measures. Anna Independent School District’s ambitious $100 million plan to build a new stadium for 12,000 spectators, featuring classrooms and a community room, was shot down, gaining only 43% of the vote.

Argyle ISD proposed a $511 million package split into three parts, with $505 million worth of projects being rejected. The largest, Proposition A, asked for $482 million to fund a new elementary and middle school, expand existing middle and high schools, make various improvements, and acquire new land, but it failed with 48% support. Proposition B, worth $22.6 million, aimed to create new baseball and softball complexes at Argyle High School, but failed with just 43% support. Proposition C, requesting $6.5 million to provide secondary students with tech devices, passed with 60% backing.

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Meanwhile, Castleberry ISD sought $98 million for new science, career, and tech education classrooms and labs, replacing temporary classrooms with permanent ones, upgrading administrative offices, adding a storm shelter gymnasium, and improving parking and student study areas. Their single proposition succeeded with 59% of voters in favor, marking the district’s first bond measure since 2010. The approved proposal will raise the tax rate by $0.0482, setting a new rate of $1.2474 per $100 of property value.

Cedar Hill ISD presented a $282 million plan, split into two propositions. Proposition A, valued at over $278 million, will fund improvements across 12 district facilities, such as safety upgrades, tech infrastructure, furniture, equipment, and classroom renovations. Proposition B, costing $3.9 million, will finance new tech devices

Proposition A secured 64% of the votes, while Proposition B passed with 62%. This will lead to an increase in the district’s property tax rate by $0.005 per $100 in valuation, specifically affecting the Interest and Sinking (I&S) tax rate, which funds debt and interest payments.

Everman ISD put forward a $67 million bond divided into two propositions. Proposition A, costing $49 million, aims to expand classrooms in Bishop, Souder, Hommel, and E. Ray Elementary schools, replacing temporary classrooms and upgrading kitchens, utilities, and gymnasiums. It also includes HVAC replacements, flooring, and other renovations. Proposition B, valued at $18 million, will fund a new multi-purpose facility at Joe C. Bean High School. Proposition A passed with 65.6% support, while Proposition B narrowly made it through with 51%. As a result, the tax rate will rise by $0.1350 per $100 in valuation.

Farmersville ISD proposed a $98 million bond for a new elementary school and various district-wide improvements, such as enhanced safety measures, new playgrounds, offices, athletic facilities, classrooms, and parking areas. The proposition, passing with 66% of the vote, will cause a tax rate increase of $0.06 per $100 in valuation.

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Granbury ISD had a $161 million bond proposal, encompassing a new elementary school, campus modernization, transportation improvements, and security upgrades. However, it failed with only 48% support, marking the district’s third consecutive bond failure

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD had a $150 million bond proposal broken up into three propositions.

Proposition A, valued at $134 million, will tackle facility issues like roof repairs, HVAC fixes, minor renovations, and upgrading safety and security tech. Proposition B, worth $10 million, will fund tech devices for students and staff. Proposition C, costing $5.5 million, will enhance the GCISD swim center and its equipment. All three passed with strong support: Proposition A at 62%, Proposition B at 63%, and Proposition C at 60%.

Kaufman ISD presented a $170 million bond to enhance security across the district, expand the Helen Edwards Early Childhood Center, renovate an elementary school, build a new junior high to replace the old one, and construct an agricultural barn for career and technical education. With 62% approval, this proposition will raise the tax rate by $0.17 per $100 in valuation.

Lewisville ISD offered a $101 million bond divided into three propositions. Proposition A, at $16.2 million, focused on renovating aquatic centers and passed with 58% approval. Proposition B, at $65.6 million, was aimed at renovating athletic facilities and secured 55% support. Lastly, Proposition C, a $20 million package for stadium upgrades, got 56% of the vote.

Mabank ISD had a $116 million single proposition for a new elementary school, adding to and renovating the junior high, improving the intermediate campus, and expanding career and technical education facilities, along with district-wide upgrades and land acquisition. This passed overwhelmingly, with 77% approval.

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Mansfield ISD put forth a $777 million bond split into five propositions. Proposition A, at $585 million, will fund renovations across the district, while Proposition B, costing $4 million, will go toward smart boards and digital signage. Proposition C, valued at $50.5 million, sought to renovate R.L. Anderson and Newsom Stadiums and high school practice fields but did not pass. Proposition D, worth $85 million, was for fine arts and expanding multi-purpose athletic complexes. Proposition E, costing $53 million, intended further expansion of those complexes

Propositions A and B were approved, while Propositions C, D, and E were rejected by voters.

Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex school districts passed close to $6 billion in school bonds in the November 2023 election.

The Texas Legislature approved $10.8 billion for new public school funding in the 88th regular session.