Bond FAQ
What is a school bond proposition?
A school bond proposition is when a school district asks voters for permission to sell bonds to fund capital projects such as safety improvements, new facility construction and renovations, technology upgrades, and other improvements. If propositions pass, the district can sell bonds to investors to fund the projects and pay the bonds back over time, with interest.
A school bond proposition is when a school district asks voters for permission to sell bonds to fund capital projects such as safety improvements, new facility construction and renovations, technology upgrades, and other improvements. If propositions pass, the district can sell bonds to investors to fund the projects and pay the bonds back over time, with interest.
What is the total amount of the 2023 Bond?
$250,000,000
$250,000,000
When is the election?
Election Day is Saturday, May 6, 2023. Early voting begins on April 24, 2023, and ends on May 2, 2023. The last day to register to vote is April 6, 2023.
Election Day is Saturday, May 6, 2023. Early voting begins on April 24, 2023, and ends on May 2, 2023. The last day to register to vote is April 6, 2023.
How many separate propositions are on the ballot?
State law requires that school districts separate certain bond items into different propositions for voter consideration. On the May 2023 ballot, voters will see two propositions for the bond:
Prop A – fund projects such as security improvements, critical facility renovations throughout the district, and new school construction.
Prop B – fund improvements to Southwest High School Stadium.
State law requires that school districts separate certain bond items into different propositions for voter consideration. On the May 2023 ballot, voters will see two propositions for the bond:
Prop A – fund projects such as security improvements, critical facility renovations throughout the district, and new school construction.
Prop B – fund improvements to Southwest High School Stadium.
Which schools benefit from the 2023 Bond?
All Southwest ISD schools are expected to benefit from this bond program. The program includes districtwide projects such as safety and security and new buses.
When will construction begin on the projects if the bond passes?
Each project's construction timeline differs, but the goal is to deliver the first large project in August 2025. Safety and security projects will be prioritized, and several are expected to be completed as early as Fall 2024. Each project will have a set timeline based on the project's complexity, design duration, and construction duration. We must gather school community input and schedule work around the school year to minimize student disruptions and potential safety concerns.
Each project's construction timeline differs, but the goal is to deliver the first large project in August 2025. Safety and security projects will be prioritized, and several are expected to be completed as early as Fall 2024. Each project will have a set timeline based on the project's complexity, design duration, and construction duration. We must gather school community input and schedule work around the school year to minimize student disruptions and potential safety concerns.
Will my property tax rate go up?
The bond package is expected to raise the debt service portion of the school tax rate by 1 cent per $100 in taxable value. However, Southwest ISD anticipates the maintenance and operations portion of the school tax rate to decrease over the next few years because of rising property values.
The bond package is expected to raise the debt service portion of the school tax rate by 1 cent per $100 in taxable value. However, Southwest ISD anticipates the maintenance and operations portion of the school tax rate to decrease over the next few years because of rising property values.
Are those projects allowed to change if we approve bond dollars for specific projects?
The purpose authorized by the election will not change. The dollar amounts allocated to each particular project may vary.
The purpose authorized by the election will not change. The dollar amounts allocated to each particular project may vary.
What about the 2018 Bond Program? Where do those projects stand?
In 2018, 68 percent of voters approved the previous bond package, which raised more than $75 million in bond dollars without raising the tax rate, to make significant investments in learning spaces and to open Southwest ISD’s first Aquatic Center. As of January 2023, all the 2018 Bond projects have been completed and stayed on budget despite rising construction costs.