 |
 |
|
For more information or to schedule an educational only bond presentation, please contact the Office of Communications at 903.262.1066.
Para informacíon en Español, por favor llamé al numero
|
Frequently Asked Questions How was the decision made as to what would be included in this bond proposal? When the 2004 Bond Program was presented to voters, a multi-phase master plan was also developed with elementary school facilities addressed in Phase 1 and 2, and Phases 3 and 4 would address secondary school facilities. With the successful completion of Phase 1, the master plan has moved forward to present to the voters some of the campuses originally selected for Phase 2. With the rising cost of construction and materials, the District determined that a bond referendum to fund improvements to all of the remaining elementary schools would be too large of a strain on voters so Tyler ISD has decided to divide the remaining 10 elementary school projects. An extensive study began on the facility assessment of the remaining 10 elementary schools to determine the facilities with the most critical issues. Six campuses will be funded if the 2008 Bond Election is passed by voters, and the remaining four campuses will be addressed in the next phase. The average age of the remaining 10 elementary school buildings in Tyler ISD that have not been renovated is 44 years, with the average age of the six buildings being considered in the second phase being almost 50 years old. What research was used in planning the bond program? The District contracted with a nationally recognized demographic firm to research demographic makeup, projected student population growth, new construction, and the impact of neighborhood growth on school facility locations over the next 10 years. The District also relied heavily on research gathered from The Facility Group, Inc., a professional service firm experienced in educational facility planning. The Facility Group teamed up with Tyler ISD to analyze facility needs and to create a master plan that would help to guide planning for the future of Tyler ISD school facilities. When was the last bond referendum? How were those bond funds expended? The last bond referendum passed in 2004. The bond referendum, totaling $95,975,800, was used to rebuild six elementary schools (Austin, Bell, Bonner, Douglas, Peete and Ramey) on existing land. To relieve overcrowding at two other elementary campuses, Dr. Bryan C. Jack Elementary School was constructed. Jack Elementary was the first new campus to open in Tyler ISD in more than 20 years. These projects began construction on time, were completed on time, and were completed under budget. How was the amount of this bond referendum decided? The research obtained from the demographic study, the facilities assessment, and the community was used to identify and prioritize the educational facility replacement/remodel projects for Tyler ISD students. Tyler ISD has determined that phasing the projects, rather than an all-encompassing bond, will be the approach to addressing facility improvements. When is the bond election? The bond election has been called for November 4, 2008. Having the election on a general election date will encourage higher voter turnout and reduce costs to taxpayers associated with holding a special election. Who is qualified to vote in the TISD Bond Election? All registered voters within the boundaries of Tyler ISD are qualified to vote. How will this bond election impact my taxes? Following the sale of these bonds, the District’s maximum debt service tax rate is estimated to increase 16.4 cents. The maximum monthly tax increase of a home valued at $135,000 is estimated to be $16.44. The tax rate will decrease over the next six years from the anticipated 34.97 cents in 2010 to 23.68 cents in 2014. These estimates of tax rates are based on certain projected property tax values in the District and that the actual debt service rate is calculated and established each year by the District based on actual property tax appraisal rolls. Although the District's calculations are based on very conservative estimates, this measure before the voters is an "unlimited tax" measure and the District would have authority to set rates at the necessary amount to cover the debt service obligations as they arise each year. Are Senior Citizens exempt from any taxes? I’m 65, will this affect my taxes? Taxpayers who have an over-65 homestead exemption will NOT see an increase in their taxes because their taxes were frozen at the time of their 65th birthday once they file for the exemption with the County Appraisal District. Anyone who is eligible for this exemption should call the Smith County Appraisal District at 903-510-8600 and ask for the Exemption Department or go to the appraisal district’s website at www.smithcad.org. What is the projected completion schedule for the proposed projects? Tyler ISD intends to complete as many projects as possible for a Fall 2010 projected opening. Some projects may require an additional year for completion and open in the Fall of 2011. Need more information about the 2008 Bond Election? Phone the Tyler ISD Communications Office at 903-262-1066 to schedule an educational only bond presentation for your group or organization or for more information. Email angela.jenkins@tylerisd.org and questions will be answered promptly. The results of the
upcoming bond election will have a significant impact on the Tyler
community, Tyler ISD schools, and the students. It is
important to learn as much as possible about the future bond
referendum and to have your opinion heard by voting. |
|
