Five propositions totaling $381.6 million would fund new facilities, technology and maintenance needs
The Georgetown ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved an order calling for a $381,670,000 million bond election to be held on November 2. The bond addresses district growth, aging facilities, technology, fine arts and athletics.
The proposed projects will be presented to voters in five separate propositions on the ballot in compliance with a new state law.
Proposition A includes:
- Construction of two new elementary schools, a new middle school facility and a future ready complex that would house advanced career and technical programs, Richarte High School, the Bridges 18+ program, Early Learning Center and the GISD Health & Wellness Center;
- Land acquisition and design for future facilities
- Upgraded safety and security infrastructure/equipment;
- Ag barns at East View and Georgetown High School;
- HVAC and roof upgrades/replacements; and
- Buses and maintenance vehicles.
Proposition B includes technology to support the district’s one-to-one initiative, as well as improve the infrastructure to support connectivity.
Proposition C would renovate the interior fixtures at the Klett Performing Arts Center.
Proposition D would provide for a district swim facility.
Proposition E would provide renovations to the tennis courts at Georgetown High School.
The board’s decision follows a series of workshops and board meetings after a recommendation from the Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC) that studied current facilities and facility assessments, demographic reports and enrollment projections, financial information, educational programs, and immediate and future needs of the district.
“I’m thankful to the more than 60 community members who served on our CAC, and I’m proud of their work,” Superintendent Fred Brent said. “They spent the last 6 months thoroughly reviewing facility and equipment needs across the district, as well as the results of a community survey and made an impressive presentation to the board.”
According to a recent demographic study, the district is anticipated to grow by 2,400 students over the next five years and nearly 6,000 students by 2031, increases of 19 and 48% respectively during that time.
A look at elementary projections:
- By 2022-23, Mitchell Elementary School is projected to be nearing capacity.
- By 2023-24, Carver Elementary, Cooper Elementary and Wolf Ranch Elementary School are projected to be nearing capacity, and
- Mitchell Elementary School is projected to be over capacity by 7%.
- By 2024-25, Carver, Mitchell and Wolf Ranch elementary schools are projected to be over capacity by 5.3%, 16.8% and 15.5% respectively.
Elementary schools No. 11 and No. 12 would be planned in the fast-growing southeast and southwest areas of the district to accommodate growth and increase capacities at existing campuses.
A look at secondary projections:
- By 2022-23, Wagner Middle School and East View High School are projected to be nearing capacity.
- By 2023, Wagner is projected to be over capacity by 6.7%.
- By 2025-26, East View is projected to be over capacity by 12.3%.
- By 2027, Benold Middle School is also projected to be near capacity
“Our great city continues to grow at a record pace, and I’m pleased that the board took action to plan for the future in Georgetown ISD,” Board President Scott Stribling said.
Tax Impact
The tax impact on property owners could range from zero cents to an estimated maximum of 2.6 cents per $100 valuation or $84 annually for the average home in Georgetown ISD depending on the timing of the sale of bonds. Tax rates in the district have declined by more than 10 cents over the last few years:
- $1.409 in 2018
- $1.339 in 2019
- $1.3071 in 2020
Citizens can learn more about the propositions during community presentations this fall. The district will update its calendar as presentations are scheduled.
Georgetown ISD residents will have the opportunity to vote on the bond referendum during Early Voting, Oct. 18-29, and on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 2. The last day to register to vote in the fall election is Oct. 4.
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