What we reported

Frisco ISD voters approved a tax ratification election and a $691 million bond in November. The bond will be used to pay for a number of projects, including new schools, maintenance projects and facility expansions. The election also increased the property tax rate for maintenance and operations by $0.13 per $100 valuation. The Frisco ISD board of trustees then decreased the interest and sinking tax rate by $0.15. This tax swap resulted in a combined tax rate of $1.44 per $100 valuation, $0.02 lower than the 2017-18 tax rate. The boost to maintenance and operations is expected to increase teacher salaries and reduce class sizes, among other things.

The latest

In a December meeting the board of trustees approved several amendments to the 2018-19 operating budget to include the extra funds. The school district will add 80 new positions as well as invest in new technology and add a classroom supplies stipend. FISD still has projects to complete that are part of the 2014 bond program. Projects are expected to move forward in the summer. The school district still has to go through the bidding process for these projects, and they all need to be approved by the board of trustees. Projects include expanding athletic offices, resurfacing playgrounds, paving marching band fields and adding new turf at baseball and softball fields at three high schools. FISD is also planning a number of other renovations and upgrades to facilities. These will be paid for with a combination of 2014 bond funds and 2018 bond funds. They include renovations to Rogers Elementary School, new roofing on five facilities, new carpet in seven facilities, new paint at 12 facilities, heating/air pipe replacements in five facilities, PA system upgrades at 39 facilities, kitchen renovations at two facilities and new playground equipment at three facilities.