In a nutshell
The bond election aims to support district growth, evolve educational environments and replace aging infrastructure.
“This bond package reflects our commitment to being thoughtful stewards of public resources while also addressing the urgent needs that only voter-approved funding can meet,” Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens said in an Aug. 13 news release. “Including the construction of new campuses to support our growing enrollment and the evolving needs of our students.”
If approved by voters, the interest and sinking, or I&S, portion of the tax rate, which pays off debt, would see no change, although the bond would bring the district’s outstanding bond debt from $3 billion to approximately $5 billion, Chief Financial Officer Jill Ludwig said.
The district expects to repay the debt over “almost” 35 years, with bond sales occurring in four phases starting in 2026, Ludwig said.
What are the options?
The bond package is broken down into four propositions that will require voters to answer with “for” or “against” on each one, according to agenda documents.
Propositions include:
- Proposition A: Funding for new campus builds and improvements ($1.9 billion). Includes seven elementary schools, a junior high, middle and high school in Fulshear, and replacements to Terry High School, George Junior High School and Navarro Middle School. Also includes funds allocated for land purchase.
- Proposition B: Funding for Guy K. Traylor Stadium improvements ($26.74 million). Includes bleacher replacements, expanded restroom facilities, as well as updated lighting and sound systems.
- Proposition C: Funding for technology refresh ($44.13 million). Replaces outdated and unsupported technology hardware, including laptops, desktops, and iPads for staff and students, as well as updating graphic arts equipment to support district-wide printing operations.
- Proposition D: Funding for student devices ($10.69 million). Provides devices to ensure a 1:1 laptop ratio for students in grades 3-12, with devices staying on campus to support online testing readiness and digital literacy, amid the state-mandated ban of personal devices effective the 2025-26 school year.
What they’re saying
Although several trustees emphasized placing the new schools and facility improvements first on the ballot to underscore the district’s mission, trustee Jon Welch said stadium repairs, which are historically difficult to pass, should be atop the ballot to highlight the importance of maintaining the district's only stadium after years of failed placement.
Nivens said district leadership will inform constituents on the importance of each of the bond propositions and their impact on the community.
“Wherever the board decides to put it, when we go out and talk about the bond, we will tailor our message to fit each audience,” she said.
Looking ahead
Trustees will vote on the proposed tax rate Aug. 26, per board documents.
Meanwhile, election polling times and locations will be posted on the Fort Bend County Elections Office website, officials said. Important dates include:
- Oct. 6: Voter registration deadline
- Oct. 20-Oct. 31: Early voting period
- Nov. 4: Election Day
