Houston ISD Ponders $1.2 Billion School Bond

HOUSTON, TX — As the work from one bond comes to an end, the Houston ISD leaders have already begun considering funds for the next round of much-needed projects. Districts leaders last weekend revealed plans for a new $1.2 billion bond package that would finance major construction projects, technology upgrades, fine arts purchases and other various costs.

Should it pass, the tax on property values in the district would increase anywhere from 3 cents to 7 cents per $100 of property value. So for a home and property that totals $100,000 in value, it would mean an additional $30 a year in taxes for a $.03/$100 increase and $70 a year for a $.07 increase. A home at $500,000 would see a $150-$350 a year increase and a $1 million home would see a $300-$700 per year increase.

The fluctuating tax increase depends on Hurricane Harvey's impact on property values, according to HISD officials.

The last bond election in 2012 for $1.89 billion was approved by two-thirds of voters. This proposed bond package reaches a wide spectrum of changes in the district's budget, an approach to failing schools and plans for the magnet schools program.

District leaders expect to finalize a proposal in the next few months for school board members, who must approve such bond election before sending to voters.

HISD Chief Operating Officer Brian Busby told The Houston Chronicle the district pass a $500 million bond with no tax raises, but that amount "would not do much for a school district of this size."

"It would be something that would possibly pass, depending on what you do, but it would not be as impactful as we need a bond to be, based on our strategic vision moving forward," Busby said.

Whereas the 2012 bond mostly dealt with renovations, new high schools and 26 campuses getting needed construction, this bond would finance schools in the city's west and south sides, where enrollment has continued to grow, and it would help make upgrades to outdated elementary and middle schools.