Answers on the $572 million bond proposal
Voters in the Round Rock school district will see three propositions related to the district’s $572 million bond package on the ballot when they head to the polls.
The three propositions in the bond package feature projects including a sixth district high school and auditorium, a 35th elementary school and improvements to facilities. Early voting ends Tuesday and Election Day is May 6.
The Round Rock Leader has answered the following questions on the bond package to help inform voters. Q: What is included in Proposition 1?
A: Proposition 1, which totals $381.6 million, addresses district growth, renewal and safety. It includes $150 million for a sixth district high school and auditorium, $32 million for a 35th elementary school and $79.8 million for improvements to aging facilities.
Additionally, $44.8 million for a districtwide technology refresh and $13.6 million for safety and $9.4 million for 82 new buses are also called for among other projects in the proposition. Q: What is included in Proposition 2?
A: At $133.6 million, Proposition 2 addresses innovation and growth. It features $25 million for a districtwide career tech high school and $20 million to expand athletics and add six classrooms to Canyon Vista Middle School.
The proposition also features $13.3 million to add 12 classrooms and expand the core of Brushy Creek Elementary to remove portables. An addition of eight classrooms to remove portables at Forest Creek Elementary at $6.8 million is also featured, among other projects. Q: What is included in Proposition 3?
A: At $56.8 million, the third proposition focuses on fine arts and athletics, and includes a $22 million districtwide indoor aquatics center. The city of Round Rock has pledged financial support of the natatorium if approved. Discussions on a possible natatorium first began in 2014.
The proposition also features $12 million for a third districtwide outdoor athletic facility slated to be located at Cedar Ridge High School, which is expected to relieve the need to host Thursday night home football games, according to the district. The proposition includes $8 million toward future land purchases, among other initiatives. Q: What is the district population, and how is it expected to grow in 10 years?
A: The district has a population of about 47,500 students. Officials expect to have a population of approximately 51,869 students by 2027. Q: How much of an annual increase in property taxes is the average homeowner expected to see?
A: The district estimates that the bonds would cost the average homeowner an extra $26.75 in taxes a year. (The average home within the school district has a value of $290,000.) Q: Will the tax rate increase?
A: The district is projecting a debt service tax rate increase of 1 cent per $100 valuation, which will take place in 2020. Q: In 2014, district voters approved a $299 million bond package. How is the district paying off that debt, and where is it in the process?
A: Three sales from the 2014 bond have taken place and 90 percent of those projects have been completed with the remainder beginning this summer, according to the district. The district is paying off the debt through yearly payments with annual interest and principal payments. Q: After the passage of the 2014 bond, district officials expected the tax rate to increase to $1.39 per $100 valuation. Did the tax rate increase?
A: After the 2014 bond, the district decreased the tax rate by 2.2 percent from $1.37 to $1.34 per $100 valuation due to an increase in property values, including new homes and businesses, according to the district. Q: How does the district expect to sell the 2017 bonds, if approved?
A: The district is looking at four bond sales over the course of three years according to the district.