Voters in the McAllen Independent School District will soon be asked to decide whether to approve a school bond to fund several projects across the district, including campus modernization and building repairs and improvements.
Documents published by the district reveal that taxpayers will pay nearly twice the proposed $335 million bond amount after interest is added.
In total, the bond would cost taxpayers nearly $652 million. The nearly $317 million in interest is based on estimated interest rates between 5.05 and 5.30 percent until 2029.
The bond will appear as Proposition A on the ballot.
The district has posted the breakdown of the proposed use of the funds on its website:
- $117.69 million for modernization and alignment of learning spaces.
- $40.39 million for the improvement of wellness, safety, and security.
- $35 million for fine arts multi-purpose buildings.
- $38.73 million for classroom additions at two elementary campuses and one middle school campus.
- $103.19 million for HVAC repair and replacements, roof repairs, paving and drainage repairs, and lighting upgrades.
The proposition will feature the following ballot language as required by state law: “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.”
The district reports that it currently owes nearly $9.3 million in debt.
District officials argue that the additional debt will not raise the current overall tax rate.
“By paying off existing debt early, the District anticipates that the current overall tax rate of $0.93 will remain at $0.93, and that an increase to the overall tax rate to support the Bond is not anticipated,” the bond’s website reads.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s James Quintero is warning taxpayers that even if the tax rate does not increase, they can still pay more in taxes.
“Debt-addicted ISDs often focus on tax rates instead of tax bills, in an attempt to fool voters about the actual cost of borrowing,” said Quintero, policy director for TPPF’s Taxpayer Protection Project. “But more and more Texans are becoming wise to these types of word games and sleights of hand.”
“Bottom line: More debt almost always brings higher taxes.”
Voters will have the opportunity to either approve or reject the proposed bond on the May 2, 2026 ballot. Early voting begins April 20 and runs through April 28.
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