Channelview Independent School District voters will decide November 3 whether to authorize $165.1 million in bonds and a maintenance and operations tax rate increase.
The bonds total more than $316.2 million in new taxpayer debt, including interest.
Altogether the proposed bonds would more than double the district’s current debt of $298,816,648.
In August, the Channelview ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to include the five propositions on the ballot. If all five propositions pass, the district projects a total property tax rate of up to $1.1164 per $100 of taxable value.
Without approval of the propositions, the district projects a total rate of $0.8911 per $100 of taxable value.
Proposition A asks voters to approve a tax rate increase of 7 cents. As a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE), Prop A is projected to generate $7.5 million annually for maintenance and operations.
CISD’s budget deficit is $2.7 million. If passed, Prop A would go toward the deficit, adding staff to Special Education, and supporting teacher and staff pay increases.
Ballot language lists Propositions B, C, D, and E at $165,140,000 in total. However, taxpayers are also responsible for interest, which amounts to $151,111,313.
If approved and issued, the bonds would require an estimated $316.3 million in principal-and-interest payments.
Each bond proposal states, “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE” as required by state law.
Proposition B would authorize $106,825,000 ($215,530,625 with interest) for facility improvements, safety upgrades, infrastructure replacement, and equipment needs.
While project-by-project allotments are not provided on the CISD website, Proposition B categories include early childhood education, fine arts, safety and security, roofing and HVAC, special education, technology, career and technical education (CTE), and athletics.
Specific projects include a new daycare facility, bus washing facilities, band tractor and trailer replacements, kilns, fine arts sound and lighting, weight room upgrades, irrigation improvements, greenhouse replacement, expanded special education classrooms, and gym floor improvements.
Proposition C would authorize $19,080,000 ($22,507,313 with interest) for maintaining and replacing student and staff instructional devices such as Chromebooks, laptops, and iPads.
Proposition D would authorize $8,815,000 ($17,802,625 with interest) for athletic facility renovations at existing facilities, which could include turf replacement and elevator upgrades at Ray Maddry Stadium and Jennings Athletic Complex. It also suggests an audio system replacement at Bill Neal Center.
Proposition E would authorize $30,420,000 ($60,410,750 with interest) for a new multipurpose indoor facility.
The brand-new facility would include a 100-yard indoor field, sidelines and end zones, observation areas, parking, and storage.
All five propositions will be on the November 3 ballot, with early voting starting October 19.
