Share to:

School Bond Details Every Voter Should Know

What is the purpose of your school bond, and the implication of it not being approved? 

Taxpayers should understand what the bond money will be used for, whether it is to fund new construction, renovation of existing facilities, or some other capital expenditure. Implications of a bond not being approved could lead to increased future cost due to normal inflation or secondary issues, such as:

  • Overcrowding: When school populations grow and schools remain unchanged, overcrowding can become a major issue, leading to larger class sizes and a decrease in the quality of education.
  • Maintenance Issues: Older schools may not be able to keep up with the demands of a growing student population, leading to maintenance issues such as leaky roofs, outdated plumbing, or inadequate heating and cooling systems.
  • Safety Concerns: Overcrowding and aging facilities can lead to safety concerns, such as inadequate fire exits or insufficient space for students to evacuate in the event of an emergency.
  • Decreased Property Values: Overcrowded schools with inadequate facilities can also lead to decreased property values in the surrounding area, as families seek out better educational opportunities for their children.
  • Retention of Quality Teachers: A lack of adequate facilities can make it more difficult for a school district to attract and retain quality teachers, which can further impact the quality of education.

What is the cost of the school bond?

Taxpayers should understand the cost of the bond, including the interest rate, the length of the repayment term, and the total amount of the bond. It is important for taxpayers to understand that the totals presented for a bond are “not to exceed” rates. Cushion is intentionally included in the amount, so the school district has the flexibility to address unforeseen circumstances. The expectation is that the capital projects will be completed for less than the approved bond amount.

What is the school district’s repayment plan? 

Taxpayers should be aware of how the bond will be repaid and how this will affect their taxes. In some cases, the repayment of a bond may result in an increase in property taxes, while in other cases, the district may have sufficient funds to repay the bond without raising taxes. 

Taxpayers should understand the difference between a tax rate and tax amount. Many growing communities will have natural increases in property values, which results in an overall increase in their tax amount. This means school districts can sometimes repay their bonds without increasing the tax rate. Not approving a bond can lead to the school district not being able to use this funding for the needed capital projects, which will lead to higher future maintenance and construction costs due to worsening maintenance issues and  inflation.

How will the bond impact the school district’s credit rating?

Taxpayers should understand how the bond issuance and repayment may impact the school district’s credit rating. For example, taking on more debt than the school district can afford can lower its credit rating and result in higher borrowing costs in the future. However, issuing a new bond to prevent future maintenance issues or overcrowding can demonstrate the district’s commitment to investing in its schools and facilities, and can be seen as a positive sign by credit rating agencies.

At Front Line Advisory Group, we provide program management consulting services for capital improvement bonds. We are revolutionizing the construction industry and transforming client expectations by obsessing over the basics of budget oversight, schedule enforcement, compliance, vendor management, and stakeholder communication. Contact us for more info at info@frontlineadvisorygroup.com.

FLAG provides program management consulting services in Central Texas for municipal and school capital improvement bonds. FLAG is revolutionizing the construction industry and transforming client expectations by obsessing over the basics of budget oversight, schedule enforcement, compliance, vendor management, and stakeholder communication.

Join our weekly newsletter and receive a free copy of our new book!

JOIN NEWSLETTER

Articles

The Hidden Costs of Infrastructure Delays: How Poor Project Management Hurts Local Economies

Infrastructure projects are more than just essential services that improve the functionality of a community. They represent economic lifelines that,...
Read More
Articles

Disrupting the Status Quo: Why Local Governments Must Rethink Vendor and Compliance Management

When it comes to infrastructure development, local governments often rely on tried-and-true methods to get the job done: hire vendors,...
Read More
Articles

Securing Our Future: The Impact of Hays County’s 2024 Bond on Community Infrastructure

"The best way to predict the future is to design it."– Buckminster Fuller Why November’s Bond Election in Hays County...
Read More
Articles

The Impact Regulation in Home Construction

"Effective regulation should protect consumers and the environment while allowing businesses to thrive."— Christine Lagarde Many readers may not be...
Read More
Articles

Design Phase Risk Control for Capital Improvement Projects

The success of any large-scale infrastructure project, particularly those funded by Capital Improvement Programs (CIP), hinges not just on the...
Read More
Articles

Top 10 Common Mistakes in Capital Improvement Bond Programs

Capital improvement bond programs are critical for financing large-scale infrastructure projects that drive community growth and development. However, these programs...
Read More
Articles

Capital Improvement Program Risk in Bond Programs: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever in Texas

Capital improvement programs (CIPs) are essential for maintaining and upgrading the infrastructure that keeps our communities functioning—whether it’s building new...
Read More
Articles

ISO 31000:2018: A Comprehensive Framework for Risk Management Oversight

The ISO 31000:2018 standard provides essential guidelines for managing risks across organizations. It defines a universal approach applicable to all...
Read More
Articles Capital Improvement Plan

A Strategic Approach to Hays County’s $440 Million Road Bond Proposal

A Strategic Approach to Hays County's $440 Million Road Bond Proposal On August 13, 2024, the Hays County Commissioners Court...
Read More
Articles

Project Connect: Progress Amidst Controversy

"Transparency is the currency of trust in an organization." – Howard Schultz Austin's Project Connect: A Step Toward Transparency Amidst...
Read More
1 2 3 4 20