Voters in the Cedar Hill, Garland, Irving, and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD boundaries have an opportunity to make a transformational investment in the future of education in their communities by supporting their school district bond elections. If passed by voters in the May election, the bond proposals would collectively make a $2.9 billion investment in supporting approximately 116,000 students, nearly 8,000 teachers, and more than 150 schools.
The four school districts behind the bond proposals identified key areas where the funds would make a significant impact. These include necessary safety and security upgrades, much-needed facility improvements and modernization, and school replacements. By investing in our local school districts, we can increase educational opportunities for students and put more Dallas County kids on the pathway to earning a living wage.
Early voting started Monday, April 24. Election Day is Saturday, May 6.
· Dallas County Early Voting Locations
· Dallas County Election Day Locations
· Denton County Early Voting Locations
· Denton County Election Date Locations
Below are details on each school district’s bond proposal:
Cedar Hill ISD
Cedar Hill ISD is asking voters to approve a $208 million bond proposal. The proposal is not expected to change the interest and sinking (I&S), or debt service, tax rate. However, state law requires school districts to include the phrase “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE” on the ballot.
Garland ISD
Garland ISD is asking voters to approve three propositions totaling $1.28 billion. If approved, the Garland ISD property tax rate would increase by approximately $6.61 cents, resulting in an estimated $14.32 monthly tax increase on a $260,000 home.
The average age of GISD buildings is 44 years, and the district says an independent assessment by school facilities experts found the district needs more than $3 billion in repairs and upgrades.
The bond propositions are:
Proposition A: $1.103 billion for safety, facility upgrades and infrastructure improvements
Proposition B: $135.9 million for multi-program activity centers at all seven high schools
Proposition C: $40.6 million for a technology device refresh for students and staff
Irving ISD
Irving ISD is asking voters to approve a $701.8 million bond package. The average age of facilities in Irving ISD is 47.6 years, and the district has not passed a bond since 2007.
The total I&S tax impact for all five propositions is 7.3 cents, which would equate to an estimated $21.29 monthly increase on a $350,000 home.
The bond propositions are:
Proposition A: $538.8 million for facility replacements and repairs, safety, and a career and technical education center
Proposition B: $18 million for technology upgrades
Proposition C: $17 million for replacement of the student transportation and logistics center
Proposition D: $45 million for three new multi-purpose indoor athletic facilities
Proposition E: $83 million for a new performing arts center
Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD
Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD is asking voters to approve a $716.4 million referendum. Based on the growth of taxable assessed values, the district can issue the bonds without a change to the I&S tax rate, according to the district’s website. However, as mentioned above, state law requires school districts to include the phrase “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE” on the ballot.
