Wills Point ISD Growth Management Bond:
Frequently Asked Questions.
What is a Growth Management Bond Package?
With voter approval, the $69 million Growth Management Bond Package will fund the district's current and long-term capital needs. These projects will include upgrades and renovations on every campus, with new classrooms, basic maintenance, new learning technology and security enhancements, and space for expanded offerings for our college and career programs. Click HERE for more specific details.
How fast is Wills Point ISD growing?
Thanks to the students, teachers, and parents of Wills Point ISD, we are an attractive district for families looking for academic, fine arts, athletic, college preparation, and CTE excellence. As a result, we are expected to grow by more than 1,000 kids over the next decade – that’s an increase of 35%.
Did Wills Point ISD administrators solicit the input of local citizens before developing the bond package?
Yes. To proactively prepare for this growth, our School Board sought the input of parents, grandparents, businesses and taxpayers across our community.
What research was conducted by the Board of Trustees before calling for the bond election?
Our administrators and Board of Trustees spent months analyzing the needs of our students and teachers. They reviewed tax impact, academic needs, classroom and instructional space, CTE and college/career preparation programs, student and teacher safety, fine arts offerings and existing facilities. Our goal was to plan for current and future generations with our families and taxpayers in mind. On August 11th, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to place a $69 million bond proposal on the November ballot.
Was every facility in the school district reviewed during the planning process?
Yes. All schools and facilities underwent a facility assessment, which was reviewed before finalizing the bond package.
How will the Growth Management Bond deal with the day-to-day operations of district assets?
Examining our ongoing operations was a primary part of our research. The Growth Management Bond Package will finance maintenance and repairs across all campuses. Depending on the school, these may include flooring, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, painting, electrical systems, security software, and other needs based on the age and condition of the facilities.
What is going to be the tax impact of the bond package on Wills Point ISD taxpayers?
With voter approval, the referendum will require a property tax increase of approximately 30¢ over last year’s rate. However, our tax rate will remain 11¢ lower than in 2018.
What will be the impact on senior citizens in the district?
Homeowners 65 years of age and older will see no increase in their tax rate as long as they have filed for their senior citizen homestead exemption.
Should voters approve the bond package, does the district have policies in place to make sure our tax dollars are spent efficiently?
The district’s best practices approach has helped Wills Point ISD earn the highest ranking from the state’s Financial Integrity Rating System and achieve an ‘A’ district accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency. If voters approve the Growth Management Bond Package, district leaders will continue their efforts to ensure that every tax dollar is spent wisely and transparently.
How will the district pay for operating expenses for the new schools, such as teacher salaries?
Salaries and operating expenses are paid out of the M&O (maintenance and operations) tax rate, which the district has decreased over the past five years. Bond and capital projects are paid out of I&S funds.
When was the last time Wills Point ISD passed a bond package?
Voters last approved a bond package in 1996. Since then, our district has grown by 780 students in schools that average 49 years of age.
How do I receive more information about the Growth Management Bond?
Wills Point ISD is committed to transparency. Should you have any questions or comments, please contact us at 903-873-5100 .