FAQ
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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 to renovate existing buildings or build a new school. Essentially, it’s permission to take out a loan to build, renovate and pay that loan back over an extended period of time, much like a family takes out a mortgage loan for their home. A school board calls a bond election so voters can decide whether or not they want to pay for proposed facility projects.
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Recent research by the Environmental Protection Agency suggests that a school’s physical environment can play a major role in academic performance. Leaky roofs and problems with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can trigger a host of health problems – including asthma and allergies – that increase absenteeism and reduce academic performance. Research links key environmental factors to health outcomes and students’ ability to perform.
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Working with the Board of Trustees, teachers, and administrators from across the district, the facilities planning committee developed a list of items to consider for inclusion in a bond package. The District has been evaluating current facilities and equipment, ongoing enrollment, growth, and other district priorities with the Board of Trustees.
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Under state law, bond funds must be used for purposes identified on the election ballot. In addition, if the bond passes, the district will invite community members to join a Bond Oversight Committee. This committee will meet regularly to oversee the construction of the bond projects.
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The tax rate will increase $0.0256 (2.56 cents). For the average home in LISD valued at $324,925 that would be $3.95 a month.
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No, bond funds cannot be used for teacher salaries.
A school district’s tax rate is comprised of two components: the Maintenance & Operations tax (M&O) and the Interest & Sinking tax (I&S). M&O funds are used to operate the school district including teacher salaries, utilities, furniture, supplies, food, gas, etc. The I&S rate is used for capital projects such as school construction, infrastructure, and renovations/additions.
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Safety & security improvements may include additional perimeter fencing, secure vestibules at campus entry, added security cameras, and exterior door replacements. These upgrades are not only aligned with recommendations from the Texas School Safety Center, but go above what is required to ensure a safe learning environment for the students and staff at LISD.
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Due to new state regulations, over two-thirds of LISD buses are out of compliance.
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Yes. Lampasas ISD has refinanced its existing debt on four occasions since December 2010. In each instance, the District either secured a lower interest rate or maintained favorable financing while keeping the same final payoff date. These refinancing actions have resulted in total savings of slightly more than $6.8 million for the District, reflecting the District's commitment to responsible financial management and reducing long-term costs for taxpayers. See the chart here for a breakdown of the District's refinancing history.