Prop FAQs
-
The largest project is a new academic facility and major renovations for Burnet Middle School. This project addresses aging buildings, capacity needs, and outdated systems.
-
The proposed project includes:
A new academic building designed for 900 students
The ability to expand to 1,200 students in the future
Classrooms, science labs, and elective learning spaces
Library/media center
Cafeteria and kitchen
Special education spaces
Renovation of fine arts and athletic spaces
-
The committee reviewed renovation and replacement options. Many of the existing buildings date back to the 1970s and were not designed for today’s safety requirements, instructional practices, or technology needs, and they require significant system replacements. The committee determined that new construction would better address long-term needs. This includes balancing a new academic building with renovation of existing fine arts and athletics facilities to create learning spaces that meet today’s educational standards while remaining cost-conscious.
-
Proposed improvements include:
Converting the existing cafeteria and kitchen into classrooms
Right-size special education spaces
Better use of existing campus space
Infilling the exterior covered space to add more classrooms
Moving cafeteria and kitchen to existing gym space
-
New secure front entry to improve safety and controlled access
-
While this bond package does not include major construction projects at the other elementary campuses, all schools will benefit from districtwide deferred maintenance and infrastructure improvements including items such as roof repairs, HVAC upgrades, safety enhancements, and other facility needs identified through campus assessments.
-
Districtwide projects include:
Replacement of aging school buses
Student and staff technology device updates
Land purchases for future schools
General FAQs
-
Many district facilities are aging and need updates to building systems, safety features, and learning spaces. A bond allows the district to address long-term facility needs that cannot be paid for through the regular operating budget.
-
State law limits how Maintenance & Operations (M&O) funds can be used. M&O dollars are intended for day-to-day expenses such as teacher salaries, staff pay, utilities, transportation, and instructional programs.
-
If the bond does not pass, the district will continue operating its current facilities and will address only the most urgent repairs as funding allows.
Major renovations, system replacements, and new facilities would be delayed. In some cases, addressing critical needs without bond funding would require using operating dollars, which could reduce flexibility in the budget for staff compensation, programs, and other district priorities. -
If approved, project planning would begin after the election. Construction would occur in phases over multiple years.
-
The recommendation was developed by a Facility Advisory Committee made up of more than 50 parents, staff, students, and community members. The committee met six times over several months and reviewed data, toured facilities, and evaluated multiple options.
-
No. Bond funds may only be used for the projects approved by voters.
-
The district sold the previously owned property after determining it was not a suitable site for a school. A railroad track running through the property created safety concerns and limited the ability to design an effective campus layout.
Additionally, the site did not meet the district’s long-term needs. When selecting school sites, the district prioritizes locations that can support future growth. This includes seeking larger acreage that can accommodate multiple campuses over time, such as both an elementary and a middle school.
The district also considers geographic placement to support student zoning. The previous site was not ideally located to help balance enrollment and attendance zones, as it was too close to existing schools.
The Board formally designated the proceeds from the land sale specifically for future land purchases. Those funds remain set aside for that purpose and are available alongside the funds included in the current bond proposal. This approach helps ensure that future school sites are safe, strategically located, and able to serve the district’s long-term needs.
Finance FAQs
-
School taxes have two parts:
Maintenance & Operations (M&O): Pays for staff, utilities, and daily expenses
Interest & Sinking (I&S): Pays for voter-approved bond debt only
-
The recommended bond package assumes no increase to the I&S (debt) tax rate. The I&S rate is projected to remain at approximately $0.195 per $100 of taxable value.
-
Individual tax bills can increase or decrease based on changes in property values determined by the Burnet County Appraisal District, even if the tax rate does not change. Regardless of the bond outcome, if the tax rate remains the same, the calculation method stays the same.
-
The bond would be repaid over approximately 30 years, similar to a long-term mortgage.
-
Burnet CISD has an AA bond rating, which reflects strong financial management and credit quality.
-
Yes. Voters have approved school bonds in 1997, 2002, 2014, and 2021.
-
Construction costs can change due to market conditions. The district would manage projects within available bond funds and follow required public procurement and oversight processes.
Election notices
Order of Bond Election
Notice of Bond Election
Request a presentation
If you would like an informational presentation on the Bond Election by a district official for your organization or group, please fill out the form linked below.