Information about the Upcoming School Bond
On November 8th, 2022, voters in Sulphur Springs ISD, will have the opportunity to decide on an 81.5 million dollar bond program. We wanted to take a moment to explain what a school bond is, and how our school district developed this list of building projects and improvements.
What is a School Bond?
A school bond is similar to a home mortgage. School districts can borrow long term money at low interest rates for capital projects. These capital projects can include building construction, renovations, and other fixed improvements. It is the voters who gives the District the permission to take out a loan and pay it back over an extended period of time. These bond funds cannot be used for salaries or operating costs such as utility bills, supplies, building maintenance, fuel, or insurance.
How Did the SSISD Decide That a Bond Was Needed?
Sulphur Springs ISD working with the board of trustees, city leaders, teachers, parents, and community members from across the district developed a list of items for the voters to consider in a 2022 bond package. The items on this bond are part of a long term 30-year plan to update, renovate, and construct modern facilities. These items will help meet the safety and security needs of our aging district facilities. The bond will also provide the resources needed to move SSISD forward towards growth and educational offerings for future generations of students.
A Bond Facility Committee was formed with over fifty local citizens including high school students, pastors, small business owners, and local community leaders. The committee spent several months reviewing our current facilities and equipment, ongoing enrollment, long term campus goals and other priorities within the district and made a recommendation to the board of trustees. These projects are now being put before the voters on November 8th, 2022.
For SSISD, what Does this Bond Include?
The bond includes a new Travis Elementary School Campus. Also, capital improvements and renovations to our High School, including a new security vestibule, offices, renovations and additions to the Fine Arts facilities.
As well as renovations to Bowie Elementary, Bush Elementary, and Sulphur Springs Elementary. Included in this bond are also new buses, and capital improvements district wide with roofing, and HVAC systems.
How Does This Affect Me?
School taxes are levied in two parts: maintenance and operations- these fund general operations like building maintenance and salaries. This tax is subject to recapture from the state. The second tax is called interest and sinking. This funds debt service and 100% of these funds stay within the school district. If the bond passes, the interest and sinking (I&S) tax rate will increase by approximately 1 cent. For example, if you own a $200,000 home, your taxes will go up approximately $20/per year.
It is important to note that citizens over the age of 65 are exempt from tax charges with a properly filed and approved homestead exemption. This homestead exemption permanently freezes the amount paid for school property taxes. If you are over the age of 65 and have questions about your homestead exemption, please contact the tax appraiser’s office for more information.
If you want to become an Informed Voter, go to www.SulphurSpringsISDBond.com for more information.
Early voting begins October 24 through November 4th. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8th. Be sure to check out the bond website to find your voting locations and times for both early voting and election day.
