Prop FAQs

  • Yes. The recommended bond package includes projects at elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, and districtwide facilities. The goal is to address safety, systems at the end of their life cycle, and learning spaces across the entire district. 

  • The bond includes: 

    • Gym renovations, including air conditioning at elementary gyms 

    • Playground replacements and upgrades to address equipment at the end of its life cycle and safety standards 

    These projects were prioritized because they impact large numbers of students across multiple campuses. 

  • Elementary schools would receive: 

    • Library modernizations to better support reading, collaboration, and small-group instruction 

    • Classroom collaboration spaces, allowing for flexible teaching and group learning 

     

  • Projects at North and B.L. Gray Junior High Schools include: 

    • Classroom modernization 

    • Collaboration and flexible learning spaces 

    • Infrastructure and building system upgrades 

    • Equity across cafeterias

    These projects focus on updating older spaces and better aligning learning environments with high school programs. 

  • The proposed project would integrate the cafeteria into the main campus and provide multipurpose learning space. This space could be used for instruction, student activities, and school events. 

  • The committee recommended a district aquatic center to support physical education, student programs, and extracurricular activities. It would serve multiple campuses rather than a single school. 

  • Yes, the bond includes technology infrastructure upgrades, such as systems that support connectivity, security, and instructional technology (included in Proposition A), as well as a staff and student device refresh (Proposition B).

Sharyland hs FAQs

  • The bond includes: 

    • Renovation of the main academic building 

    • Classroom modernization 

    • New and improved collaboration spaces 

    These upgrades are intended to improve learning spaces while extending the life of existing buildings. 

  • The recommended bond includes: 

    • A new auditorium

    • Fine arts expansion to support performance and visual arts programs 

    These projects address capacity limitations and addresses facilities used for student performances and instruction. 

  • The bond includes CTE modernizations that support hands-on learning and career preparation. These spaces are designed to align with workforce and college readiness programs. 

Pioneer hs FAQs

  • Pioneer High School projects include: 

    • Classroom modernization 

    • Added collaboration and flexible learning spaces 

    • Fine arts and multipurpose learning areas 

    These upgrades focus on adapting existing spaces to current instructional standards. 

  • Some bond projects support shared athletic and program facilities.

General FAQs

  • The district intends to provide updates to building systems, safety features, and learning spaces. A bond allows the district to address long-term facility conditions that cannot be paid for through the regular operating budget. 

  • State law limits how M&O funds can be used. Large facility projects must be paid for with voter-approved bond funds. 

  • If the bond does not pass, the district would continue to operate current facilities and address only the most urgent issues as funding allows. Major renovations and new facilities would be delayed. 

  • If approved, project planning would begin after the election. Construction would occur in phases over multiple years. 

  • Projects were recommended by a community Facility Planning Committee made up of parents, staff, students, and residents. The committee reviewed facility conditions, toured campuses, studied costs, and ranked projects over six meetings. The final list reflects the projects that received the strongest overall support from the committee. 

  • No. Bond funds may only be used for the projects approved by voters. 

Finance FAQs

  • If approved, the bond would increase the Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rate by $0.1958, which is used only to repay voter-approved bond debt. 

  • Texas law requires this phrase to appear on all school bond ballots. 

    The statement refers to the authorization of bond debt repaid with property taxes. It must appear even when: 

    • The increase applies only to the I&S portion, or 

    • The district’s total tax rate has decreased in recent years. 

  • Your total school tax bill depends on two factors: 

    • The school district tax rate 

    • Your home’s appraised value 

    The school district sets the district tax rate.  The county appraisal district sets property values. 

    If your home value increases, your tax bill may change even if the tax rate stays the same. 

  • No. Property values are set by the county appraisal district, which is separate from Sharyland ISD. The school district does not appraise homes or businesses. 

  • Yes. Over the past decade, Sharyland ISD’s total tax rate has decreased by $0.418. This is due to: 

    • State tax compression laws 

    • Retirement of older debt 

    • Growth in the district’s tax base 

  • Bond projects are long-term investments, similar to a home mortgage. 

    Using bonds allows the district to: 

    • Spread costs over time 

    • Match payments to the useful life of buildings 

    • Avoid large, single-year tax spikes 

    State law also restricts operating funds from being used for major construction. 

  • School bonds are typically repaid over up to 30 years, though the district may refinance or pay off bonds early when financially beneficial. 

  • Several factors help manage costs: 

    • Sharyland ISD maintains a AAA bond rating 

    • Texas’ Permanent School Fund guarantee backs school bonds 

    • Strong financial management and reserves 

    • Strategic timing of bond issuance 

    Lower interest rates reduce the long-term cost to taxpayers. 

  • Homeowners with a 65+ homestead exemption have a school tax ceiling. 

    • Their school taxes generally do not increase above that ceiling. 

    • If the tax rate goes down below the ceiling, their school taxes may decrease. 

  • No. A bond authorizes a maximum amount of debt. It does not automatically increase taxes each year. 

    Future tax rates depend on: 

    • Property values 

    • State funding formulas 

    • Outstanding debt levels 

  • If overall district property values decline, the district may: 

    • Delay issuing bonds 

    • Adjust project timing 

    • Review the I&S tax rate as needed 

    Bond issuance decisions are reviewed annually. 

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