The Plano ISD board of trustees met in a special called meeting on Jan. 19 to make decisions that would allow bond attorneys to draft ballot wording for a possible $481 million May 2016 bond package.

The preliminary decisions will be subject to final approval on Feb. 2.

The proposed bond package will include funds for new schools and acquisitions, major renovations, upgrades, refurbishments, modifications, capital improvements and security updates in PISD schools. It will also include proposed funding for additional buses, a performing arts venue and an early childhood school.

Trustees took two steps to reduce the original bond package proposal of $524 million by $43 million.

The board made a preliminary decision to borrow $16 million in authorized but unused bonds from the 2008 bond program.

In order to reduce the debt that the district would incur, the board of trustees also approved moving $27.7 million from the capital fund to the general fund so that the money can be used for some items that would have otherwise been paid for by the bond program.

Board members said they will choose a financing plan that will not increase the tax rate.

Parents and interested voters can comment via email at [email protected] and access details about the possible May 2016 Bond election at www.pisd.edu.