The $101.8 million package features three propositions that would generate additional funding to conduct maintenance, repairs and renovations at various athletics and recreation facilities across the district. If voters approve all three propositions, there will be no increase to the tax rate, according to bond details.
The propositions mirror the four out of the seven propositions LISD voters rejected in November.
“Just like a house starts to need more upkeep and repair...so do school facilities,” LISD Board President Jenny Proznik said in an email. “Utilizing bond dollars on these items can be done without changing the tax rate and allows us to keep our incredibly tight operating budget funds focused on classrooms and programming.”
The propositions that will appear on the ballot include:
- Proposition A for maintenance, repairs and renovations at the Eastside Aquatic Center and Westside Aquatic Center.
- Proposition B for maintenance, repairs and renovations at athletics facilities consisting of locker rooms and field houses; tennis courts; baseball and softball facilities; middle school competition fields; high school practice fields; and concession areas.
- Proposition C for maintenance, repairs and renovations to existing high school stadiums.
How we got here
After the November election, district leaders reconvened the One Vision Task Force, which consisted of more than 70 stakeholders, to provide feedback and input regarding the fall election results.
“The total for projects not approved in the fall election was $199.4 million,” Superintendent Lori Rapp said in an email. “The district is not asking voters to consider the 100-yard indoor multipurpose facilities at each high school, which voters did not approve in the fall election.”
The bond aims to address infrastructure needs across the district. Several systems at the aquatics centers are at the end of their useful life, and the current scoreboard does not function for water polo matches, according to a report from the district. Stadium tracks have also reached the end of their useful life.
Baseball and softball programs missed 40% of scheduled practices last season due to field flooding and conditions, according to the report. Home games are often moved to the opponent's or a neighboring district’s field. During a 2023 varsity football game, the scoreboard at The Colony High School stopped working, according to the report.
More than 13,000 students participate in athletics programs, Lewisville ISD Athletic Director Cristie Liles said in an email. Many of the facilities also serve different purposes. For example, the aquatic centers are not only home to LISD’s high school swim, dive and water polo teams, but are also open to the community for swimming lessons, birthday parties and club sports.
“These facilities are in constant use by the community and LISD, and are a source of revenue for the district,” Liles said.
What’s next
If the 2024 bond does not pass, the LISD board would face alternative circumstances such as no longer allowing rentals at some facilities within the community; relocating games, practices and meets; altering competitions schedules; and potentially closing facilities or facility components.
“LISD athletics programs impact the lives of thousands of students every year, creating a sense of belonging and connection within our schools and communities,” Liles said.
