The districts’ appeals come as the success of school bonds has diminished in recent years. In 2019, for example, Texas voters approved about 77 percent of such propositions, according to state data.
That year lawmakers passed a measure requiring schools to include “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE” in bond election language, even if districts don’t need to change their tax rates.
In 2020, voters supported only 37 percent of school bond proposals. Districts canceled 42 percent of such propositions as the pandemic upended many plans. By 2022, only 53 percent of school bond proposals passed.
Voter support grew last year with 69 percent of such propositions passing.
In Cedar Hill, school officials want voters to pass a $282.4 million bond proposal — the bulk of which will help pay for renovations and safety and security updates at every campus.
Funds would also go toward: new cameras, updated PA systems, student laptops and building updates.
Kaufman ISD’s $170 million bond package would similarly fund security camera updates, badge readers and fencing, along with updating aging facilities. The district has about 4,400 students but projects about 7,000 students in the next decade.
Argyle ISD’s $511.5 million bond proposal would accommodate growth. The district has about 5,000 students but expects 12,000 in a decade. The bond package would pay for new schools and expanded classroom space, technology devices and sports upgrades.
Additional school districts planning for space to grow include: Castleberry ISD, Everman ISD, Farmersville ISD, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Mabank, Mansfield and Milford ISDs.
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