Voters in Lufkin Independent School District will soon be asked to decide whether to approve a bond package to fund several projects across the district, including the construction of a new high school sports stadium.
The bond is backed by a local architecture firm that specializes in several types of construction projects, including educational projects.
According to documents posted by the district, the $140.25 million bond will actually cost taxpayers almost double this amount after interest, with an estimated cost of more than $278 million.
The total bond amount will be divided between two propositions on the ballot:
- Proposition A: $98,250,000 ($194,829,789 with interest) for the design, renovation, expansion, and improvement of school buildings, safety and security, and the purchase of new buses.
- Proposition B: $42,000,000 ($83,286,016 with interest) for the design, construction, acquisition, and equipment of stadium facilities.
Lufkin ISD currently has $116,388,187 in outstanding debt.
Each bond proposition will feature the following ballot language as required by state law: “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.”
The district estimates that homeowners would see an estimated tax increase of about $87 annually on an average house valued at $190,000.
Financial reports from Vote YES for Lufkin ISD Kids, the pro-bond political action committee, reveal that an architecture firm with several locations throughout East Texas is the single largest contributor to the PAC.
With a location in Lufkin, GLS Architecture-Engineering-Surveying specializes in several types of architectural projects, highlighting that it has “partnered with over 125 school districts” and is “capable of delivering beautiful projects for any budget.”
They also highlight different schools, colleges, gymnasiums, and stadiums the firm has completed.
Voters have the opportunity to either approve or reject the proposed debt package on the May 2, 2026 ballot. Early voting began Monday and will run through April 28.
