Brady PieperThis article was written using information found in the National Bond Report from Strategic Partnerships, Inc. This comprehensive report features information on every public entity planning to hold a bond election. To purchase this report, click here.
The Frisco Independent School District (FISD) Trustees in Texas are asking district residents to approve a bond proposal and tax rate increase to fund necessary school renovations, facility development and critical technologies upgrades in classrooms. Voters will make their decision during the Nov. 5 election.
FISD is seeking the funds to address budget shortfalls made through state-level funding decisions. The bond will pay for critical updates such as HVAC, roofing, electrical and plumbing systems while also supporting safety, security and emergency service enhancements across the district.
The proposed bond was developed following discussions by the FISD Bond Exploration Committee, which included 34 parents, community members, 18 staff and nine students as they visited campuses throughout FISD.
Following the committee’s review, a key component for the bond is the renovation of 20 campuses that are approaching or exceeding 25 years in age. The committee advocates for a refresh of these facilities every 25 years to align with essential systems’ replacement life cycles, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing.
FISD also anticipates using the funds produced by the proposed bond to implement four propositions, each of which will have a spot on voters’ ballots.
In addition to the bond, Proposition A will be the Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE). FISD is proposing a VATRE that will raise taxpayers’ tax rate by 2.94 cents per $100 of property value to maintain academic standards and support competitive salaries in the district. Importantly, homeowners ages 65 and older and some disabled homeowners will not be affected by a VATRE tax increase.
Since 2019, costs have risen nearly 20% due to inflation, yet the state has not increased FISD’s basic funding. This proposition will help FISD retain highly qualified teachers and staff, furthering student success.
Proposition B, the largest proposed funding allocation, will request $986 million to implement various districtwide campus improvement projects on the district’s 77 schools.
$102.3 million in proposed funds will be used at Staley Middle School to replace the current building, which has served the community since 1973, and repurpose the existing facility for special education programs. Since the proposed facility is close by, the Staley Middle School project would not displace any current students.
Proposition C is asking voters to approve $88.2 million for technology improvements districtwide. This proposal looks to update the district’s technology infrastructure to enhance speed, connectivity, reliability and security. The proposition also includes provisions for a five-year device replacement schedule for both staff and students, ensuring that everyone has access to up-to-date technology.
Proposition D is requesting $11.2 million for a new multipurpose tennis center in the district, which will provide FISD with the space needed to host district and regional competitions, eliminating the necessity to rent facilities outside the district. The proposed tennis center would also provide additional value to residents as it will serve community needs when not in use for school events.
FISD emphasizes that 100% of the bond funds will remain in-district, allowing for long-term improvements without immediate burden on taxpayers.
For more information on the bond referendum and the VATRE, see FISD’s BOND+VATRE 2024 webpage.
Photo courtesy Nadia Eimandoust
