As residential development continues across Magnolia, Magnolia ISD is moving forward with plans for new schools while lowering its property tax rate.
Following voter approval of a $465.7 million bond package in May 2026, the district is planning three new campuses, including Elementary School No. 10, scheduled to open in August 2028.
The district also adopted its lowest property tax rate in more than 20 years while maintaining its existing debt-service rate.
What does the bond cover?
The May 2026 bond package funds new school construction, safety and security improvements, land acquisition, school buses and renovations to aging facilities.
The single-proposition package followed the rejection of three propositions totaling $516.9 million in November 2025. In response to community feedback, Magnolia ISD reduced the proposal by approximately $51.2 million, removing several athletic projects, including a second natatorium.
The approved package includes three new campuses:
Elementary School No. 10: Kresston development; anticipated August 2028 opening
Elementary School No. 11: Location to be determined; anticipated August 2029 opening
High School No. 3: FM 1486 corridor near Hwy. 249; anticipated August 2030 opening
What's planned for Elementary No. 10?
Design work is progressing for the $53.9 million Elementary School No. 10, located along Kresston Parkway within the Kresston development.
During an Aug. 10 school board workshop, trustees reviewed updated architectural renderings and provided feedback on the proposed campus. The designs emphasize natural light, open spaces and flexible learning areas to support collaboration, small-group instruction and hands-on activities.
A centrally located library will serve as an academic resource and gathering space, while additional collaborative areas will accommodate various learning activities.
"This project is moving forward on the schedule we expected it to and is, at this point, looking like it is still set to open in the fall of 2028," said Denise Meyers, Magnolia ISD assistant superintendent of communications.
The project is expected to advance through construction-document development before building begins in spring 2027. Work is anticipated to continue through summer 2028, ahead of the planned August opening.
Why are new schools needed?
Residential development is increasing enrollment pressures, particularly along the district's central corridor.
According to Superintendent Jason Bullock, Elementary School No. 10 will help relieve enrollment pressures at Magnolia Parkway, Audubon and Williams elementary schools, which are approaching their 900-student capacity.
“The fastest-growing subdivisions or neighborhoods within our district are Escondido, Audubon, Grand Pines and Magnolia Springs,” Meyers said, noting that these developments fall within the attendance zones of the three elementary schools nearing capacity.
Current development data highlights the district's growth:
63 active subdivisions throughout Magnolia ISD
1,100 homes under construction
5,200 lots ready for development
Nearly 29,000 future lots planned for development
Magnolia ISD also ranks fifth among 20 Greater Houston-area school districts in a regional new-home development report, according to district officials.
How does the bond affect taxes?
Despite voter approval of the $465.7 million bond package, Magnolia ISD has lowered its overall property tax rate for the 2026-27 school year.
On Aug. 24, trustees adopted a rate of $0.9325 per $100 of taxable property value, a decrease of approximately 2.6 cents from the previous year. The rate is the district's lowest in more than 20 years and the lowest among school districts in Montgomery County.
According to Chief Financial Officer Erich Morris, the district's tax rate has two components:
Maintenance and operations: Funds daily expenses, including salaries, supplies and utilities. This rate decreased due to state school funding formulas and changes in local property values.
Interest and sinking: Repays voter-approved bond debt. This rate remains unchanged despite the newly approved bond package.
How can the district take on additional bond debt without increasing the rate used to repay it?
Morris cited two factors: new residential developments expanding the district's taxable property base and the district's practice of paying off existing bonds ahead of schedule.
By retiring older debt and generating additional revenue from new development, the district has created capacity to finance new construction while maintaining its debt-service rate.
For homeowners, the lower overall rate could mean reduced school property taxes, although individual bills depend on appraised property values and applicable exemptions.
How can residents stay updated?
Residents can follow bond project timelines, construction updates and district announcements through several resources:
2026 bond website: View approved projects, estimated costs, anticipated opening dates and funding information.
Magnolia ISD district news: Find announcements about school construction, tax rates and district developments.
School board information: Follow board meetings and updates on district projects and decisions.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in Magnolia ISD's 2026 bond?
Magnolia ISD's $465.7 million bond, approved by voters in May 2026, funds three new schools, safety and security improvements, land acquisition, school buses and renovations to aging facilities.
When will Magnolia ISD Elementary School No. 10 open?
Elementary School No. 10 is scheduled to open in August 2028 in the Kresston development. The $53.9 million campus is in the design phase, with construction expected to begin in spring 2027.
Why is Magnolia ISD building new schools?
Magnolia ISD is building new schools to accommodate enrollment growth driven by residential development. Elementary School No. 10 will help relieve enrollment pressures at Audubon, Magnolia Parkway and Williams elementary schools, which are nearing capacity.
Will Magnolia ISD's $465 million bond increase property taxes?
Magnolia ISD does not anticipate increasing its debt-service tax rate to repay the 2026 bond. New residential development and early debt repayment have created additional borrowing capacity without requiring a higher debt-service rate.
What is Magnolia ISD's property tax rate for 2026-27?
Magnolia ISD's 2026-27 property tax rate is $0.9325 per $100 of taxable property value, approximately 2.6 cents lower than the previous year. According to the district, it is the lowest school district tax rate in Montgomery County.