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BOND 2004 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
What is a bond and why can’t we pay for new schools, additions and
upgrades of current facilities out of the district’s annual maintenance
and operating budget? Bond money allows payments to be spread out over a period
of years just like a home mortgage. Tyler ISD, like other districts, has
a maintenance and operating (M&O) tax rate and debt service tax rate. The
maintenance and operating tax rate funds annual operating expenses
(salaries, utilities, etc.) while the debt service taxes pay off school
bonds. If you were to purchase a new home using your annual income (or
M&O funds), you would probably not have money left to cover your daily
living expenses or furnish the home. This is also true with school
districts. Over 84% of the district’s general operating expenses are used
for staff salaries and benefits, which must be competitive to attract and
retain quality teachers. The average age of school buildings in TISD is 49 years,
with 8 buildings being 50 years old or greater. Older buildings require
vigilant maintenance and periodic renovation. The Board of Trustees has
determined that many of these facilities should be renovated and
improved. In addition, new schools are needed to relieve overcrowding.
National
studies indicate a strong correlation between the quality of facilities
and the quality of student achievement. The TISD community has always
believed in providing top-notch education to its students in quality
facilities.
These
factors obligate the district to call a bond election to keep pace with
the spirit of high community standards for education set in the TISD.
How was the decision made as to what would be included in this
bond proposal?
The process
began with an extensive study in three areas. Those areas
include demographics, an assessment of facilities, and
educational adequacy (see Research tab). The data gathered from
research in these three areas was used to define the priorities
and areas of greatest need. After these were determined, the
District gained input from the community and developed Phase 1,
addressing the most critical facility issues first.
What research was used in planning the bond program?
The District
contracted with a nationally recognized demographic firm to
research demographic makeup, projected student population
growth, new construction, and the impact of neighborhood growth
on school facility locations over the next 10 years. The
District also relied heavily on research gathered from The
Staubach Company, a Dallas-based professional service firm
experienced in educational facility planning. The Staubach
Company teamed up with Tyler ISD to analyze facility needs and
to create a master plan that would help to guide planning for
the future of Tyler ISD school facilities.
When was the last bond
referendum? How were those bond funds expended?
The last successful bond referendum passed in 1998. The
bond referendum, totaling $30,975,000, was used to improve, remodel, and
retrofit existing school buildings. A large portion of the funds were
used to update failing HVAC systems and for roof replacement at most
campuses. No new schools have been built in Tyler ISD since the
construction of Owens Elementary School in 1985.
How was the exact amount of this bond referendum decided?
The research
obtained from the demographic study, the facilities assessment,
and the community was used to identify and prioritize the
educational facility needs of Tyler ISD students. Tyler ISD has
determined that phasing the projects, rather than an
all-encompassing bond, will be the most successful approach to
addressing facility needs.
When is the bond election?
The bond
election has been called for November 2, 2004. Having the
election on a general election date will encourage higher
voter turnout and eliminate significant costs to taxpayers
that are associated with holding a special election.
Who is qualified to
vote in the TISD Bond Election?
All registered voters within the boundaries of Tyler ISD
are qualified to vote.
Are Senior Citizens
exempt from any taxes? I’m 65, will this affect my taxes?
Residents who have an over-65 homestead exemption will NOT
see an increase in their taxes because their taxes were frozen at the time
of their 65th birthday. Anyone who is eligible for this
exemption should call the Smith County Appraisal District at 903-555-0555
and ask for the Exemption Department or go to the appraisal district’s
website at www.smithcad.org.
What happens if the bond election does not pass?
Tyler ISD will
be required to make short-term accommodations for growth using
money from the maintenance and operations budget, which would
reduce available revenue to fund the day-to-day activities of
the District. Tyler ISD would be required to spend additional
funds in order to call another bond election in the future;
while projects needed would be delayed. These delays may
translate into higher construction costs from inflation,
continued overcrowding at most campuses, and the delaying of
critical maintenance and rebuilding projects. In addition, 20%
of TISD students and 32% of all elementary students will
continue to be taught in portable buildings. Most importantly,
safety issues at many of the schools would not be addressed.
How
can I find out more information?
Angela
Jenkins
Director of Communications & Public Relations
Tyler Independent School District
Office: 903-262-1064
angela.jenkins@tylerisd.org
Questions will be answered promptly. |
