Friendswood ISD looks at next steps after failed bond

Stacy Parsons, an FISD business- and homeowner, said she did not support the bond propositions due to the tax rate increase, as well as the grouping of the items within certain propositions. This included the agricultural center and replacement campus for Westwood Elementary and Bales Intermediate, which were both in Proposition A within the bond package. Parson said she felt the tax rate increase would have potentially put families within the district in a financial bind.

“I wasn’t for the bonds this time. The economy is truly hurting people—single moms, limited income families—and [the bond package would have] increased their monthly payment,” she said.

FISD resident Melanie Beran said she supported all four propositions within the bond. She said if the bond and the recently voter-approved increase to the state’s homestead exemption, which reduces the taxable value of a primary residence, had both been in effect, her home would have seen a net increase of $7.

“I think it’s a complicated math problem, and a lot of people didn’t sit down and do it,” she said.

Beran also said she didn't think people recognized the effort the CAC put into the formation of the bond.

“I think people don’t recognize the year and a half that that bond committee put into it, and that they’re taxpayers, just like everybody else, but I think a slimmed down package that is easier to understand will hopefully make a more positive impact,” she said.

Zooming out

Over 60% of school bond propositions failed Nov. 4, according to official statewide results from the Texas Open Data Portal.

Among those is Magnolia ISD, which is located in northwest Houston.

MISD went for a bond election with three propositions to build new schools and a natatorium. Despite the bond propositions not including a tax rate increase, all three propositions failed, Community Impact previously reported.

Lamar CISD, which serves parts of Fort Bend County, saw one of four bond propositions fail despite no tax rate increase. The bond included new facilities, stadium upgrades and technology improvements, and voters rejected the stadium proposal, Community Impact previously reported.

Next steps

FISD officials released a survey to community members Nov. 19. The survey asked respondents:

• Whether the respondent voted for or against the bond package
• What changes the respondent would like to see for a future bond proposal
• What specific projects would be supported

“The community has needs as well, and I’m hoping with the survey it builds trust that they are given a platform to use their voice, because we do want to move forward together,” she said.

A number of priority maintenance needs were labeled as “district must-dos” in CAC documents.

While it is not set in stone, these projects—totaling over $35 million—were the district’s highest priorities as the 2025 bond was being formed.

Some items included outdoor inclusive play grounds, technology and transportation needs.

After FISD officials and the board of trustees receive feedback from the community, the board will meet Jan. 12 to plan the district’s next steps, which may include a potential bond proposal.

At a Nov. 17 board workshop, district officials presented the following options for potential bond elections, should the district decide to ask for another bond:

• May 2026
• November 2026
• May 2027

“Part of the whole educational process is a cycle of continuous improvement,” he said. “You start with data, you put an action plan in place, you reevaluate, and then you get back in again.”