Magnolia Independent School District voters are being asked to approve a nearly half‑billion‑dollar bond that district documents show will cost about $946 million to repay with interest—almost double the advertised amount.
The district has placed a single proposition bond on the May 2, 2026 ballot, asking voters to authorize $465,688,326 in new debt.
The move comes after voters rejected a larger three‑proposition, roughly $517 million bond package in November 2025, which Magnolia ISD projected would exceed $1 billion once interest was included.
This time, the board consolidated its plans into one proposition and trimmed certain projects—especially athletics—in an effort to win voter approval.
According to Magnolia ISD’s official voter information document for Proposition A, the May 2026 bond would authorize $465.7 million in principal, but the total cost with interest is estimated at roughly $946 million over the life of the bonds.
Magnolia ISD officials say the 2026 bond is focused on addressing rapid enrollment growth and aging facilities over roughly the next two years.
Major projects in Proposition A include:
- New High School #3 – About $304.8 million, to be built on FM 1486 near the 249 Tollway, with a projected opening in August 2030.
- New Elementary School #10 – About $54 million in the Kresston development, expected to open in August 2028.
- New Elementary School #11 – About $57.8 million, with the site to be determined based on where growth is highest, projected to open in August 2029.
- Safety and security upgrades – Roughly $7.1 million for security cameras, network and server upgrades, and data storage improvements.
- Land acquisition – $12 million for future junior high, intermediate, and elementary school sites.
- School buses – About $5.9 million to purchase 34 buses, replacing 20‑year‑old units and adding capacity for more students.
- Renovations and aging systems – Capital improvements across existing campuses to address aging equipment and infrastructure.
District messaging emphasizes that the package does not include some of the more controversial athletic and recreational projects that were part of the failed 2025 Propositions B and C, such as additional turf fields, multipurpose athletic facilities, and a second natatorium.
Magnolia ISD argues the bond is necessary because enrollment is growing faster than forecast.
For the 2025–26 school year, the district projected an increase of 479 students (about 3.2 percent) but says it actually added around 670 students, leading officials to update their growth expectations to about 4 percent annually over the next decade.
Magnolia ISD repeatedly tells voters that the 2026 bond can be funded with no change to the current school tax rate, citing early debt pay‑downs, a growing tax base, and a favorable bond rating.
However, under state law, the May 2026 ballot must still carry the statement “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE” at the top of the proposition.
The legal language reflects that authorizing new bonded debt extends or increases the tax burden over time, even if the nominal rate does not go up in the short term.
Campaign finance reports for the pro‑bond campaign, Vote for Magnolia ISD, show the largest contributors are B & C Constructors LP and Newcastle Masonry Inc—both to the tune of $5,000.
Newcastle Masonry lists “Educational (K-12)” and “Higher Education” among its specialties.
Early Voting is ongoing through April 28. Election Day is May 2.
