2011 Bond Update: Q&A - Midlothian ISD

2011 Bond Questions & Answers

Q: What is a bond and why do we have elections?

A: In the same way homeowners borrow money in the form of a mortgage to finance the purchase of a home, a school district borrows money in the form of bonds to finance the design, construction, expansion and renovation of schools. Both are repaid over time. In order for a school district to sell bonds, it must go to the voters for approval. By law, bond funds cannot be used to fund daily operating expenses or salaries. Bond funds may only be used for the projects previously described.

Q: How was the bond proposal determined?

A: The bond proposal was developed with input from a citizen's-based committee representing all areas of the district. The 29-member committee, consisting of parents, local citizens and school staff, met to study the requirements of the district and prioritize what should be addressed in the bond program. The committee analyzed data including, but not limited to: the long-range facilities plan, safety and security audits, demographic projections, the long-range technology plan, financial analysis, and other data.
Q: What are the main components of the bond program and how much will each component cost?

One proposition for $97,300,000 includes:

Components of the Bond Package
High School #2 (Phase 1):	$74,000,000
Phase 1 for 1,000; core capacity of 2,500; 2-story with classrooms in two wings; library; fine arts area; cafetorium; competition baseball/softball fields; 2 soccer fields; football and track fields; corner of FM 1387/Walnut Grove Rd. straightened out with traffic light; estimated occupancy date is August 2014
Elementary School #7:	$20,500,000
750 student capacity (This project is temporarily postponed. Bond will not be issued until conditions warrant it.)
Frank Seale Middle School addition:	$2,800,000
Expand student capacity from 1,000 to 1,200 students; 12 classrooms; fire lane expansion; estimated occupancy date is January 2013

Q: Why is MISD cutting staff and budgets while at the same time calling a bond election?

A: Capital (bond) funds and operating funds are intended to meet different needs and they are entirely separate funds. By law, the two must be kept in separate accounts and they are audited to ensure each account is spent appropriately.  Capital Funds pay for design, construction, expansion and renovation of schools. The bonds are essentially authorization for the district to borrow the funds. Operating Funds pay for day-to-day expenses like salaries, supplies, transportation, and utilities. The State funding cuts impact operating funds, not capital funds.

Q: Where will high school #2 (phase 1) and elementary #7 be located?

A: High School #2 (phase 1) will be located on the corner of Walnut Grove and FM 1387 (near Walnut Grove Middle School). MISD currently owns the property.

The location of elementary #7 site is currently under consideration. The decision will be based on the demographic need and availability of land value.

(This project is temporarily postponed. Bond will not be issued until conditions warrant it. )

Q: How will this bond affect my taxes?

A: The projected total tax increase on a home valued at The total impact on a home valued at $150,000 would be approximately $14.25 per month ($171 per year), and on a $200,000 home approximately $19.59 per month ($235.13 per year). This increase would not take place in the first year, but rather, would increase gradually as the bonds are sold. See chart for additional homestead values

Q: What if I am over 65? How do I file for my over 65 exemption?

A: MISD property taxes for senior citizens homesteads will not be affected by the bond. Taxes are frozen for senior citizens who have filed their homestead and Over 65 exemption application with the Ellis County Appraisal District. For information about homestead and Over 65 exemptions call 972-937-3552 or view http://ecad@elliscad.com. Letter from the Ellis Co. Appraisal District.