FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A BOND?

A bond is similar to a home mortgage. It is a contract to repay borrowed money with interest over time. Bonds are sold by a school district to competing lenders to raise funds to pay for the costs of construction, renovations and equipment. Most school districts in Texas utilize bonds to finance renovations and new facilities.

HOW CAN BOND FUNDS BE USED?

Bond funds can be used to pay for new construction, renovations to existing facilities, land acquisition, and technology infrastructure. Bonds cannot be used for day-to-day operating costs, such as salaries, utility bills, supplies, maintenance and fuel.

WHAT IS A BOND ELECTION?

School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors in order to raise the capital dollars required for projects.

HOW WAS THE BOND PACKAGE DEVELOPED?

The bond package was developed by community input and prioritization by the Long-Range Facility Planning Committee.

WHERE CAN I FIND EXACTLY WHAT IS PROPOSED IN THE BOND PACKAGE?

Visit the Bond Proposal page to see a breakdown of the proposition and detailed project description.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOTAL BOND BUDGET?

The total bond amount represents a comprehensive, turnkey cost that includes everything needed to ensure the new addition is fully prepared for student use. This encompasses current construction costs, as well as escalation to account for potential price increases by the time the project goes out to bid. It also includes soft costs such as permits, surveys, and professional fees; furniture, fixtures, and equipment like chairs, desks, and cafeteria tables; technology including servers, computers, security systems, and cameras; and a contingency fund to cover any unforeseen conditions or needs that may arise during the project.

CAN ATHLETICS OR OTHER NEEDS OF THE DISTRICT ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE $21.7 MILLION?

The budget for this bond was carefully developed to account for all necessary costs associated with the PK-8 addition. This includes the square footage of the new construction, the full project scope, current construction prices, anticipated cost escalation, soft costs, fees, and essential furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The $21.7 million allocation represents a turnkey cost, ensuring that everything required for the addition is covered within this budget, leaving no available funds for additional projects. While other projects were considered during the bond planning process, the committee ultimately prioritized the PK-8 addition as the most critical need.

WITH PROPOSED PARKING AND NEW LOCATION OF THE AG FACILITY, WHERE WILL TRANSPORTATION BE LOCATED?

The transportation facility will be relocated to another property already owned by the district, with the move funded through existing district resources rather than bond funds.

WILL THE OLD ELEMENTARY BE COMPLETELY TORN DOWN OR RENOVATED AND USED?

Future plans may include the demolition of the oldest portion of the elementary school, with the potential to renovate the newer section to accommodate growth and evolving educational needs. These improvements could be addressed through a future bond package. A full renovation of the entire facility to bring it up to current building codes and modern standards has been deemed cost-prohibitive at this time.

WHY NOT WAIT AND HAVE A BOND WHEN THE DISTRICT’S BONDING CAPACITY CAN COVER ALL NEEDS?

The Texas Association of School Boards conducted a comprehensive district-wide assessment to identify and prioritize facility needs. The total cost to address all identified improvements exceeds the district’s current and projected bonding capacity. Delaying action until the full amount could be covered would not be financially prudent, as construction and material costs are expected to continue rising due to inflation and market escalation. Taking a phased approach allows the district to begin addressing the most urgent needs in a timely and fiscally responsible manner.

WHAT IS FROST ISD’S CURRENT TAX RATE?

Frost ISD’s current Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate is $0.7552 and its Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rate is $0.2440 for a total tax rate of $0.9992.

HOW WILL THE 2025 BOND PACKAGE AFFECT MY TAXES?

If approved, the maximum estimated tax impact would be an additional 24 cents to the current Frost ISD tax rate. A monthly tax impact calculator can be found here.

WHAT IF I’M OVER 65 AND RECEIVE THE “SENIOR CITIZEN EXEMPTION” AND MY HOME VALUE GOES UP? WILL MY SCHOOL TAXES INCREASE?

No, according to state law, the dollar amount of school taxes imposed on the residence homestead of a person 65 years of age or older cannot be increased above the amount paid in the first year after the person turned 65 – regardless of changes in tax rate or property value – unless significant improvements are made to the home. Normal repairs, maintenance and the economic impact of the market cannot increase the amount of taxes you will pay once a tax ceiling is in place on that homestead.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN THIS ELECTION?

Any registered voter who lives within the Frost ISD boundaries — and whose voter registration is based on their current Frost ISD residence — is eligible to vote in this bond election.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER VOTE IN THIS ELECTION?

The last day to apply for voter registration is April 3, 2025 in order to vote in the May 3, 2025 election.

HOW CAN I CHECK TO SEE IF I AM REGISTERED?

Visit this website to check your registration status.