VOTE411 Voter Guide

BALLOT LANGUAGEProposition A: THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE: the issuance of $322,005,000 of bonds by the Lancaster Independent School District for the purpose of designing, constructing, renovating, improving, upgrading, updating, modernizing, acquiring and equipping school and support facilities in the District; districtwide safety and security upgrades, including technology, network, infrastructure and equipment; and the purchase of necessary sites for school facilities, and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.Proposition B: THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE; the issuance of $3,500,000 of bonds by the Lancaster Independent School District for the purpose of acquiring and updating instructional technology equipment for student and staff use. and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.Proposition C: THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE; the issuance of $35,250,000 of bonds by the Lancaster Independent School District for the purpose of constructing, renovating, improving, upgrading, updating, modernizing, acquiring and equipping the multipurpose indoor athletic facility at Lancaster High School, and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.Proposition D: THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE; the issuance of $15,250,000 of bonds by the Lancaster Independent School District for the purpose of renovating, improving, upgrading, updating, modernizing, acquiring and equipping stadiums for student-athletes, and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.DESCRIPTIONOn February 12, the Lancaster ISD trustees voted to send a $376,005,000 bond proposal to voters in May. The bond proposal is divided into four sections called Propositions. Voters will be asked to approve or deny each Proposition separatelyIf approved by voters, the $376,005,000 bond:· Proposition A would provide facility upgrades to every ISD campus in the system including roof and HVAC replacements, plumbing and restroom renovations, secure entries, fencing, removable of portable buildings, technology and network improvements, updated signage, and other.· Proposition B would fund replacement of outdated technology infrastructure and instructional computers, tablets and related hardware for both students and staff.· Proposition C would fund renovations to campus indoor facilities including HVAC systems, locker rooms, weight room and training area renovations, safety and security updates and updated signage.· Proposition D would fund upgrades and renovation to Beverly D Humphrey Tiger Stadium and Old Tiger Stadium including restroom and facility improvements, track and turf replacement, renovations supporting student-athlete use, and updated signage.A detailed list of projects to be funded can be found at https://bond.lancasterisd.org/If the propositions are approved, bonds will be issued as needed and as previously issued bonds are retired. State law requires the city to include the statement “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE.” on the bond proposition ballot. However, based on current estimates, the City does not expect these bonds to result in a higher property tax rate. (Note that homestead property tax exemptions and freezes for over 65 and disabled taxpayers significantly lower homeowner taxable values.)Lancaster ISD’s property tax rate compared to neighboring districts rates:Dallas ISD .993835Grand Prairie ISD 1.062687Duncanville ISD 1.1057Cedar Hill ISD 1.1279Lancaster ISD 1.2244DeSoto ISD 1.2252Lancaster ISD earned an “A” rating for Superior Achievement under the Texas Education Agency’s Financial Integrity Rating System and an A1 (upper-medium) rating from Moody’s. The last time the district issued General Obligation Bonds was 2015.