The Springtown ISD Citizens’ Facility Advisory Committee (CFAC) comprised a diverse group of 58 Springtown community members and leaders with various perspectives met eight times over the past five months. Their charge was to evaluate the district's long-term facility needs and help produce the long-range facility plan and vision going forward. A recommendation was then made to the SISD Board of Trustees in January.

READ MORE ABOUT THE SPRINGTOWN ISD CFAC

FAQs

• What is a School Bond?

  School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors to raise capital for large projects and purchases such as new construction, renovations, or transportation (buses and vehicles). Essentially, it’s a loan, paid back with the I&S tax rate over a period, much like a family takes out a mortgage for their home.

• Can Bond Dollars be Used for Salaries?

  No, the I&S tax rate, by law cannot be used for salaries or ongoing operating expenses. Salaries, utilities, student learning supplies and other ongoing operating expenses are paid for by the M&O tax rate. The state dictates the M&O tax rate and the amount of money the school district receives from that rate. 

• Instead of Building a New School, Why Not Just Buy Portables?

  The consensus of the administration, teachers, and community was to build permanent buildings that would allow for student growth and future programs. While portable buildings could provide more classroom space, they are not cost-effective and can cause additional safety and security concerns. The average cost of a portable school building in Springtown ISD is $350,000 per unit. This is money taken out of the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) budget that could be allocated to items like teacher and staff pay or student programs.

• What if the Bond fails?

  If the bond fails, we will do all we can to continue to deliver a great education to our students. It may mean more portable buildings and roaming teachers among classrooms, but we are the porcupine family and will continue to take care of our kids.

• Why Can’t the New Homes Pay for the Bond?

  Actually, they do. As more homes and businesses come into our district, the more our taxable value increases, which pays for the bond payments. The more homes and businesses there are, the less each homestead owner pays.

• Why Are Schools So Expensive to Build?

  Texas school districts do not receive state funding for renovating or building new schools. Instead, they must receive funds through school bond elections. By law, all newly constructed schools must meet current building and energy codes, along with regulations that are stricter than standard commercial or residential construction.
  Safety and security measures outlined in recently enacted legislation must also be met. In addition, schools must withstand daily usage by 500-1,200 students for 30-40 years. Maintenance costs must also be considered when purchasing building materials and finishes.

  The bond proposal also includes the cost of furniture, technology, teacher and student devices, and other soft costs for a turn-key building and escalating construction costs over their timelines.