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Endorsed By:
A vote for the bonds will not result in a tax rate increase. 100% of the funds stay in the school district. Read More
Props A, B, C, and D Will:
- Provide Safety and Security Enhancements: Including updated fire alarm systems, secure entrances, surveillance systems, and compliance with state safety mandates.
- Make Needed Technology Upgrades: Our students must learn in facilities that use up-to-date technology.
- Repair Infrastructure: Repairs and upgrades in older school buildings, including outdated HVAC systems and plumbing, increase the longevity of our current facilities.
- Prepare for Growth and Expansion: The metro area is growing and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. This will reduce our need for portable classrooms.
- Fund our Fine Arts and Athletics: Our students deserve the best possible school experience, including quality extracurricular facilities.
Why Vote Yes for the Bonds?
This November, we have an opportunity to ensure that Round Rock ISD continues to be a destination school district for our region. These bonds represent critical safety, maintenance, and upgrades to our schools without a tax rate increase.
A committee of diverse community members decided on every capital project in the four bond propositions over four months. The long list of projects was narrowed down to a prioritized list of projects that touch every campus and every child.
What happens if we don’t vote for these bonds?
If the bond does not pass, the needs across the district do not diminish. The needs and costs will continue to grow. Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tax dollars do not pay for capital improvements of this magnitude. If the bond does not pass, another citizen’s bond committee will be formed, and another bond proposal will be presented to voters. Read more frequently asked questions here.
How can we pass a bond and NOT increase the tax rate?
Due to the increased growth in the region, the tax base has grown. This allows the school district to fund past and proposed bonds while decreasing the tax rate (which happened earlier this fall). RRISD is also able to achieve the lowest borrowing costs due to it being the only district in the state with a AAA bond rating from Moody’s and Fitch. In addition, the district plans to borrow the money in phases. The district anticipates that the tax rate will continue to decrease over the coming years as the region grows. Read more about how school taxes work.
Why am I paying more in property taxes every year?
The county’s appraisal district sets your home’s value, and then the rates from various taxing entities are applied to your appraised value. Round Rock ISD has lowered its tax rate this year, but as families and companies continue to move to Central Texas, property values continue to rise. This growth is one of the main reasons why these bonds are necessary. Read more here.
Why will the ballot language still say “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE” even though you say it isn’t?
In 2019, the Texas legislature passed a law requiring that specific ballot language be added to every school bond issue on a ballot in Texas, regardless of the school district’s proposal. Read the law here. If this bond passes, the tax rate in RRISD will not increase.
Why are we going for a bond for projects when teachers need raises?
All teacher and staff salaries are paid via the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) portion of the tax rate, which depends on the state legislature’s funding formulas. These are the same funds that are subject to recapture. The other tax rate portion is the Interest & Sinking (I&S) rate. This tax cannot be used to pay teacher salaries and can only be used towards capital projects. Leveraging the I&S portion of the taxes for projects via bonds allows the district to ensure the M&O funding is available for day-to-day operations and salaries.
For example, to replace a high school HVAC system costs $6 million. If funded via M&O revenue, it would equal roughly 95 teacher salaries. Currently, 85% of M&O revenue goes towards teacher and staff salaries. The remainder goes towards supplies, curriculum needs, utilities, fuel, and insurance.
Ready to Get Involved?
Help us educate the community. Click here to donate online today.
Make checks out to: Building Futures 4 RRISD
P.O. Box 554
Round Rock, TX 78680