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Georgetown ISD Voters Approve Bond Propositions during Tuesday's Election
Georgetown ISD voters approved two propositions on Tuesday that will address future growth, academic programs, and technology in the district. The $350 million bond package is the largest in the district’s history.
- 56.2% of voters approved Proposition A. The $333,420,000 package will fund the construction of two new elementary schools, a new Benold Middle School, a future-ready complex that expands opportunities for advanced career and technical education programs as well as becoming home to Richarte HS, the Bridges Transition Program for 18+ and an early learning childcare center. This proposition also funds the renovations and maintenance upgrades for roofing and HVAC at several campuses, new buses and maintenance vehicles, sun shades for elementary playgrounds, designs for high school No. 3 and to renovate the current Benold to serve as a future Frost Elementary School as well as land acquisition for future development. Additionally, new ag barns will be constructed at both comprehensive high schools.
- 56.42% of voters approved Proposition B. The $16,500,000 package funds technology including devices for learning, infrastructure to expand and support connectivity, and upgrades to safety and security equipment and the district’s data center.
“I’m proud of the citizens’ group who made the recommendation for projects that align with student needs and am grateful for the community’s support of projects that secure the academic future for students in Georgetown ISD,” said Dr. Fred Brent, Superintendent. “Propositions A and B will fund important capital projects that accommodate for growth and support technology and connectivity for engaged learning.”
Voters turned down propositions C, D, and E, projects that support extracurricular programs like fine arts and athletics.
- Only 45.4% of voters supported Proposition C, a project that would have renovated the district’s aging fine arts facility that serves as both home to student fine and performing arts programs as well as many other community arts programs.
- 38.87% of voters showed favor for Proposition D which would have funded a swim facility in partnership with a community YMCA, and
- 43.28% of voters supported Proposition E to fund renovations to the tennis complex at GHS
“Our students work hard in fine arts, swimming, and tennis - all being recognized at the State level in recent months - and supporting them is still important,” Brent said. “I do regret that we cannot move forward with these projects at this time. However, the district will continue to explore avenues that meet the needs of our athletics and fine arts programs.”
Public School Finance in Texas and Tax Rate Impact
Texas public school districts derive most of their local funding from property taxes. The school district property tax includes two elements, a maintenance and operations (M&O) tax used to fund daily operations and an interest and sinking (I&S) tax used to pay debt service on bonds issued for facilities construction. The impact to property owners, as a result of this bond election, could range from zero dollars to a maximum of 2.6 cents per $100/valuation, depending on the timing of the sale of bonds.
Looking Ahead
Georgetown ISD is projected to enroll more than 5,000 students in the next decade. The two new elementary schools would accommodate for growth in fast-growing areas of the district, with the first elementary school being built in the Santa Rita Ranch community and tentatively opening in the fall of 2024.
Funds from the 2018 bond were used to design a new Benold Middle School and the future-ready complex. The 2021 bond will fund the construction of both projects. The new Benold Middle School will be located in the Parmer Ranch neighborhood, and the future-ready complex will be located on Airport Road. Both projects could begin by mid-2022.