Central Texas election: School districts decide on multi-million dollar bond packages

Voters from 17 school districts in Central Texas exercised their right to vote last May, deciding on multi-million dollar bonds. The biggest bond package, amounting to nearly $760 million, came from Leander ISD, which garnered more than 60% of the votes in favor of proposals A, B and C. These proposals focus on ensuring safety, technological advancements, and renovating old buildings.

According to the Leander ISD Superintendent, Bruce Gearing, the school district’s taxes will remain the same regardless of the bond’s approval or not, wherein the interest side financing will remain at $0.33. Meanwhile, in Jarrell ISD, 75% of voters approved the bond package worth $325 million. The package includes constructing two new elementary schools, a new middle school, expanding CTE programs, and purchasing new fleets.

Deborah Benavidez, board member of Jarrell ISD, stated that the number four elementary school will be constructed first as they already have land available, which was donated by developers or allies in previous bonds. In Hutto ISD, nearly 60% of voters approved Proposition A and B, which focuses on improving schools and educational technology.

In Hays County, the nearly $368 million Hays CISD bond package was divided into four offerings, which include academics and growth, theater and fine arts, technology, and outdoor pavilions. Results showed that over 50% of voters voted in favor of proposals A, B, and C, while 55% voted against proposal D.

Leander, Jarrell, Hutto, and Hays County DSIs assured that these bond packages will not affect the property tax rate. The results will be official soon, after a thorough review of the returns. The official results for Austin, Texas, include Bastrop ISD, Comal ISD, Coupland DSI, ISD Dripping Springs, Eane ISD, There is CISD, Jarrell ISD, DSI of Johnson City, Leander ISD, DSI of Lexington, Liberty Hill DS, Llano ISD, McDade ISD, Nixon Smiley CISD, San Marco CISD, and Waelder DSI.

While the school district elections’ official results will be announced soon, voter turnout and approval of these bond packages show immense support for the improvement of schools and educational technology in Central Texas schools.

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