When Garland, Rowlett and Sachse voters go to the polls to cast votes for city officials and Garland ISD board of trustees members, they will also vote on the three propositions of the proposed GISD 2023 bond election.
An independent assessment was done by facilities experts, then a committee was formed to assess the district’s needs. The committee then reported its recommendations to the board of trustees, and the board approved calling for the bond election Feb. 14
Proposition A – $1,103,130,000 – projects include:
According to the GISD website, the average age of the district’s buildings is 44 years. Many renovations are needed to bring these facilities up to date.
- Four schools, Freeman ES (built in 1949), Golden Meadows ES, Hillside ES and Kimberlin ES will be replaced.
- Other facilities will receive miscellaneous repairs and renovations.
- Perimeter fencing, along with other security features, will be installed at all campuses to improve student safety.
- Portables will be removed from every elementary campus.
- New field houses, as well as fine arts improvements, will be added to all high schools.
- New turf will be added at high school softball and baseball fields.
- Middle school locker rooms will be renovated.
- The Gilbreath Reed Career & Technology Center will be expanded.
- A new Agricultural Sciences facility will be built.
- A new Transportation Center and new Network Operations Center will be built.
Proposition B – $135,910,000 – projects include:
- Multi-use Program Activity Centers will be added to all high schools.
Proposition C – $40,605,000 – projects include:
- Technology device refresh for students and staff.
Total propositions – $1,279,645,000.
Garland ISD’s last bond election was in 2014 in the amount of $455,500,000.
If all three propositions pass, the Garland ISD property tax rate would be increased by $0.0661. Senior citizens, 65 years or older, who have filed for the senior tax exemption will not be affected. Additionally, 100% disabled American Veterans will not be affected.
Garland ISD’s current tax rate is the fourth lowest tax rate in comparison with other North Texas districts. The rate will increase. However, Garland ISD’s rate will remain in the lower 50% of North Texas districts.
The three propositions will appear on the ballot as they are below:
- Proposition A: “THE ISSUANCE OF $1,103,130,000 OF BONDS BY THE GARLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR SCHOOL FACILITIES, THE PURCHASE OF NECESSARY SITES FOR SCHOOL FACILITIES, BUSES AND VEHICLES AND THE IMPOSITION OF A TAX SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE BONDS AND THE COST OF ANY CREDIT AGREEMENTS. THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.”
- Proposition B: “THE ISSUANCE OF $135,910,000 OF BONDS BY THE GARLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR A MULTI-PROGRAM ACTIVITY CENTER AT EACH HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS, AND THE IMPOSITION OF A TAX SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE BONDS AND THE COST OF ANY CREDIT AGREEMENTS. THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.”
- Proposition C: “THE ISSUANCE OF $40,605,000 OF BONDS BY THE GARLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT AND THE IMPOSITION OF A TAX SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE BONDS AND THE COST OF ANY CREDIT AGREEMENTS. THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.
Early voting is April 24 – May 2. Election Day is May 6.
For more detailed information, visit www.garlandisd.net/bondfaqs.
Source: www.garlandisd.net.