FAQs

GENERAL BOND QUESTIONS

  • 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.

  • Yes. 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.

  • Castleberry ISD conducted a comprehensive Facilities assessment, demographic study and review of student enrollment projections. Based on the recommendation of results and information gathered through the Facility Planning Committee, a bond recommendation was made to the Board of Trustees.

  • Without bond money, the district would need to redirect educational funds used for instructional programs and services to fund increased building maintenance costs.

  • No, this bond does not include teacher salary increases. Teacher salary increases are determined by our Board of Trustees through a different process.

    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, renovations/additions, and technology . School bonds cannot be used for teacher salaries.

  • Construction is estimated to begin in October 2024 with completion in August 2026.

TAXES

  • The property taxes of those 65 and older with a homestead exemption would not be affected if the bond referendum passes. Taxes of those receiving the 65 and older homestead exemption are frozen at their present rate for as long as they maintain their homestead.

    You must apply for this exemption.

    Click Here for the Tarrrant County Exemption Form

  • A school district’s tax rate is comprised of two components: the Maintenance & Operations tax (M&O) and the Interest & Sinking tax (I&S). The M&O rate is used to operate the school district including salaries, utilities, furniture, supplies, food, gas, etc. The I&S rate is used to pay off school construction bonds. Bond sales only affect the I&S rate.

  • If the Castleberry ISD bond referendum passes, the District projects a $0.0482 tax impact. For the average home in CISD valued at $233,370, that impact would be $5.36 a month

  • This requirement was a part of new laws coming from Austin after the legislative session in 2019. The Texas legislature wanted the ballot language to be clear, that voted bonds were the method that we use to finance school construction. Paying for these voted bonds requires tax revenues.

Don’t see your question answered? Ask here!

Fill out the form below to have your question submitted to Castleberry ISD.