How will the passage of Bond 2019 impact my taxes if I am under 65?

The tax impact will vary by household. The District has provided an online tax calculator to determine the estimated change. The calculator can be found here, along with the assumptions associated with the calculation.

What is a school bond?

A school bond is a promissory note – it is a promise to pay back a certain amount of money that is being borrowed for a specific use, and it will be paid back with interest. Under Texas law, school districts can issue bonds for several purposes, including the purchase of land or the construction/renovation of school facilities. There are also laws and regulations on how school districts issue bonds

What projects can be financed with a school bond?

School districts may issue bonds to pay for construction, acquisition, and equipment of school buildings; maintenance and repairs of facilities, acquisition or refinancing of property; the purchase of sites for school buildings, and/or the purchase of new school buses. School bonds are used as a primary source of funding for school districts to help pay for costly school facilities projects.

What are the requirements for issuing a bond?

A school bond must be approved by a majority of the qualified voters of the school district voting at the election. Texas law also contains other rules and restrictions relating to the issuance of bonds.

How was the Bond 2019 proposal developed?

In May of 2019, a Facility Advisory Committee was formed to review the Long-Range Facility Plan and present their recommendations to the board of trustees. They did this through the following lens: students remain central to all discussions, and decisions would be anchored to innovative, engaging, safe, and equitable educational experiences for all students.

This 80 member committee, comprised of parents, grandparents, community leaders, business owners, educators, and taxpayers, spent 4 months reviewing and analyzing current facilities, the implementation of 2015 bond projects, potential tax impact, and the immediate and long term needs of the district to create a comprehensive plan for ensuring safety, equity, and excellence across the entire district. Through those efforts, the Facility Advisory Committee recommended a $425 million bond package, and the Ysleta ISD Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of the committee.

Why do YISD schools have to be closed, consolidated, or modernized?

Enrollment at YISD has been decreasing for several years. By consolidating or repurposing campuses, we can right-size the district and create modern learning environments that will help prepare our students to compete in a global economy.

How will new schools be designed?

New schools will meet all modern building codes and standards, and reflect a 21st-century learning environment with technological and safety features.

What effect will this school bond have on teachers and staff?

In cases of consolidations or closures, teachers will follow the students, as will other positions like cafeteria staff and custodians. Faculty and staff will not lose their jobs due to the passage of Bond 2019 or the process of consolidating schools.

How will the passage of Bond 2019 impact my taxes if I am 65 or older?

Homeowners who are 65 and older will not see an increase in their YISD property taxes if the proposed bond is approved. These taxpayers must file for this exemption with the El Paso County tax office.

When is Election Day?

Voters who live within YISD boundaries can cast their vote at their local precinct, or polling place on Election Day, which takes place Nov. 5. Early voting runs from Monday, Oct. 21 to Friday, Nov. 1. Visit EP County Votes to find your polling place or get information on how to participate in early voting.