Bond FAQs
What is a bond election?
Why is Temple ISD calling a bond election?
The Board of Trustees unanimously called for a $164.8 million bond referendum to address the need for growth as well as safety and security updates. Proposed bond projects include:
- Construction of a new elementary campus (Fine Arts Academy) in the southeast quadrant
- Expansion of instructional space at three campuses - Scott Elementary, Bonham Middle School and Temple High School
- Eliminating remaining portables at seven campuses
- Addition of security vestibules at three remaining campuses - Hector P. Garcia, Kennedy-Powell, and Raye-Allen
- Construction of a new auxiliary services building
How will this bond increase taxes?
How does the proposed tax increase compare to the surrounding districts?
Temple ISD’s current tax rate is lower than Academy ISD, Belton ISD, and Salado ISD. If the proposed bond is passed, Temple ISD’s total tax rate will still be lower than these districts as illustrated in the graphic.
When was the last bond election and what is the status of those projects?
The 2015 Bond was passed by our community on November 30, 2015. All of the projects included in the $136.5 million bond were completed on time and include:
- Kennedy-Powell, Raye-Allen and Hector P. Garcia flooring replacement (Summer 2016)
- Travis & Lamar Gymnasium Improvements (Summer 2016)
- Construction of a new Thornton Elementary (Summer 2016 - will open August 2017)
- Construction of new CTE Wing at Temple HS (Fall 2016 - will open 2018)
- Tennis complex improvements (2017-2018)
- Bonham Middle School Improvements (2017)
- Wheatley Improvements (2017)
- Cater Improvements (2017-18)
- Western Hills Improvements (2017-18)
- THS Athletics Improvements (2017-2018)
- THS Fine Arts Renovation & Expansion (2018-19)
- Travis improvements (2018-19)
- Scott Renovation (2018-2019)
- Lamar Renovation & Expansion (2019-2020)
- Meridith-Dunbar Renovation (2020-21)
- THS Swim Center Renovation (2020-21)
Click HERE to learn more about these projects.
How will this bond election affect homeowners who are over 65?
Property taxes for citizens 65 years or older who have filed the “Over 65 Homestead Exemption” will not increase because of the bond proposal. Under the over 65 homestead exemption taxes are frozen at the dollar amount of the year the individual turned 65 and regardless of future tax rate increases, the tax levy for the 65-year-old can never escalate beyond the ceiling dollar amount. If decreases in property value, tax rate declines, or change in exemptions cause the tax levy to fall below the ceiling amount, the over 65 taxpayers will pay the lower tax bill.
Why can't the district pay for improvements out of the general operating budget?
School districts in Texas operate under a budget consisting of two tax supported portions. One is the maintenance and operations fund and the other is the debt fund. Tax rates to support both funds are limited by State Law.
The M&O tax rate for Temple ISD is $0.93 and funds the general daily operations of the district such as salaries, utilities, gasoline, and supplies. It’s all the things it takes to run a school. School districts are a people-intensive business making salaries the largest part of the M&O budget. More than half of our staff are teachers.
The I&S tax rate for Temple ISD is $0.31 and is called the debt service tax rate. Funds generated from this tax rate pay off the debt of school bonds. This is similar to the part of a household budget that pays for the home mortgage. School bonds are issued as funds are needed for voter approved projects that include new construction and renovation of school buildings. Most school bonds are issued or paid for over 25-30 years.
What is the role of the school district during a bond election?
The school district is responsible for sharing with voter’s information about the proposed bond package so the community can make an informed decision at the polls.