The Birdville Independent School District (BISD) is asking voters to consider a $475.5 million bond package in the May election. The funds are earmarked for improvements to safety, security, and technology infrastructure throughout the district.

Bond Proposal Overview

The proposed bond package will impact every campus within BISD. It focuses on three key areas: safety and security enhancements, improved learning environments, advancements in instructional technology, and increased operational efficiencies, according to district officials.

Proposition Details

The bond proposal is divided into two separate propositions, A and B, allowing voters to approve or reject each independently. Each proposition addresses distinct needs within the school district.

Proposition A: Facility Upgrades & Security

Proposition A totals $453,340,500 and is dedicated to facility upgrades and security improvements. Specific projects include adding security cameras and access card readers to schools across the district.

Proposition B: Technology Investments

Proposition B focuses on technology and amounts to $22,147,000. These funds will be used to enhance instructional technology resources available to students and staff.

Project Highlights

  • Replacement of high school amenities, including field turf, outdoor lighting, and physical education equipment.
  • Expansions and renovations at the Birdville Center of Technology and Advanced Learning to accommodate program growth.
  • Rebuilding Hardeman Elementary School within its current attendance zone.
  • Renovating and updating the Birdville High School Auditorium.
  • Addressing critical maintenance and system upgrades across the district.

Funding and Tax Implications

Texas school districts receive funding from federal, state, and local sources. Local funding comes from two tax rates: Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and Interest and Sinking (I&S). Bond funds are specifically allocated to capital projects and cannot be used for operational expenses like salaries or utilities.

The I&S tax rate is used to repay bond debt, typically over a 30-year period. Districts often aim to repay bonds early to reduce interest costs. A state law requires the statement, “This is a property tax increase,” to appear on each ballot proposition, even if the tax rate remains unchanged.

Understanding VATREs

Voter Approval Tax Rate Elections (VATREs) are held when a district needs to increase funding for ongoing expenses like salaries. Many districts are facing financial pressures due to limited state funding increases and unfunded mandates, such as the requirement for armed officers on campuses.

BISD states that the bond package can be issued without increasing the I&S tax rate by strategically managing existing debt. However, voters should carefully review the district’s proposal, as changes in property tax appraisals could still affect individual tax bills.