Springtown ISD Trustees Call Bond Election to Address Growth
Aug. 16, 2023
At last night’s school board meeting, Springtown ISD trustees voted unanimously to call a $120,780,000 bond election that will be on the Nov. 7 ballot. Registered voters residing within the Springtown ISD boundaries will be asked to vote on a bond proposition that would generate funding to add seats for an additional 1,500 students by building a new middle school, converting the intermediate school into a fourth elementary campus, and creating a 9th grade center.
Trustees are expected to set the district’s tax rate to $0.9578 per $100 of property valuation at their Aug. 28 meeting — an unprecedented 18¢ decrease from last year’s rate of $1.1432. The November 2023 bond proposal would increase the interest and sinking tax rate by 17¢ per $100 of property valuation, which means taxpayers would still pay 1¢ less than last year’s rate.
District officials sought feedback from community members to evaluate the failed May 2023 bond proposal and worked with residents to present a recommendation to trustees for consideration.
“SISD leadership has worked hard since May to determine the best way to move forward as our student enrollment continues to climb,” said Board President Rick Beall. “We’ve retained a new financial advisor and a new architect and bond planning team who have already found ways to reduce the cost to our taxpayers. We will also be able to take advantage of tax compression to keep our tax rate low.
It’s our hope that residents will take the time to learn more about the projects proposed, our tax rates, ballot language, and ask questions before casting their vote in this election.”
Proposed Projects Include:
New Middle School (Grades 6-8) - This new building will include:
Classrooms and Learning Spaces for 1,500 students
Cafeteria + Stage
Library
TEA Required Athletic Facilities (weight room, practice football field and track, competition gym, etc.)
Fine Arts Wing (band hall, practice rooms, choir rehearsal, etc.)
Additional Land
Additional Elementary School (Grades PK-5) - Springtown Intermediate will be converted to a fourth elementary campus to alleviate overcrowding at Springtown ES and Goshen ES.
Restroom Renovation
Age-Appropriate Learning Spaces
Freshman Center (Grade 9) - The current middle school campus will become a 9th grade center to provide additional space at Springtown HS. Springtown ISD will engage parents, staff, and community members in the planning and design of this center.
Any Springtown ISD resident who is registered to vote may cast a ballot in this election. Voters will be asked to vote “for” or “against” the bond proposition. In accordance with state law, all Texas school bond ballots now must include this language: “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.” Springtown ISD’s current total tax rate is $1.1432. The 2023-2024 tax rate will be $0.9578 per $100 of property value after the board adopts it on Aug. 28, and the rate is expected to be $1.1278 following the election.
Voters will have from Oct. 23 to Nov. 3 to cast ballots during early voting, or they can cast ballots on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7. The last day to register to vote in time to participate in this election is Oct. 10. New residents are encouraged to check their voter registration to ensure their current address is on file. Only registered voters who reside within Springtown ISD boundaries are eligible to vote in the November 2023 bond election.
Springtown ISD officials will schedule informational meetings to share details and answer questions. As soon as those meetings are finalized, information will be shared through the district’s regular communication channels. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to visit www.springtownisdbond2023.com for more information.