School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors in order to raise the capital dollars required to renovate existing buildings or build a new school. Essentially, it’s permission to take out a loan to build, renovate and pay that loan back over an extended period of time, much like a family takes out a mortgage loan for their home. A school board calls a bond election so voters can decide whether or not they want to pay for proposed facility projects.

Recent research by the Environmental Protection Agency suggests that a school’s physical environment can play a major role in academic performance. Leaky roofs and problems with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can trigger a host of health problems – including asthma and allergies – that increase absenteeism and reduce academic performance. Research links key environmental factors to health outcomes and students’ ability to perform.

Working with the Board of Trustees, teachers, and administrators from across the district, the facilities planning committee developed a list of items to consider for inclusion in a bond package. The District has been evaluating current facilities and equipment, ongoing enrollment, growth, and other district priorities with the Board of Trustees.

A simple example is a door.

A door for a home may cost a few hundred dollars and be opened only a handful of times each day. A door in a school may be opened hundreds of times daily by students, staff, and visitors.

Because of that heavy use, school doors must meet much higher standards. They are often fire-rated, reinforced for safety and security, and designed to meet accessibility requirements. The same principle applies throughout the building, from walls and hallways to classrooms, restrooms, and building systems.

In addition to higher performance standards, public school construction must comply with building codes, accessibility requirements, safety regulations, and other public-sector standards. Combined with inflation, material costs, and skilled labor expenses, these requirements contribute to the overall cost of school construction.

Simply put, schools are designed and built differently than homes or many private buildings because they serve large numbers of people every day and must meet stricter safety, durability, and accessibility standards.

Under state law, bond funds must be used for items listed on the election ballot. In addition, if the bond passes, the district will invite community members to join a Bond Oversight Committee. This committee will meet regularly to oversee the construction of the bond projects.

The school district itself does not set property values. Property values are determined by the McLennan County Appraisal District, an independent government agency responsible for estimating the market value of properties in the county each year. 

The Appraisal District looks at things like: 

1. Recent sales of similar homes in your area 

2. Market trends (supply and demand) 

3. Improvements or changes made to your property 

4. Overall neighborhood growth and development 

In short: The school district doesn’t control your home’s value—the real estate market and the county appraisal process do. Find out more information here.

No, bond funds cannot be used for teacher salaries.

If the project comes in under budget, Robinson ISD will only have to sell bonds on the amount needed, resulting in a potential tax relief on the homeowners. RISD is legally bound to only use those funds for the projects on the ballot. 

At this time, the only other outstanding bond is for Robinson Intermediate which was passed in 2014.

A school bond project cannot exceed the voter approved amount. 

The architect, school board, construction manager, and administration will all oversee the project. The district will also contract with an independent agent to provide additional oversight.

If the bond is approved, the existing Junior High would be partially renovated into Admin Offices after students move into the new Junior High. The specific areas of the building to be renovated will be determined during the design phase.