- Plano Independent School District
- Bond Programs
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2016 Bond Program
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May 7 Bond Election Results
Combined accumulated totals for the May 7, 2016 bond election are posted below:FOR - 8,039 (78.54%)
AGAINST - 2,196 (21.46%)Election results/reports can be viewed on the Collin County elections website.
On May 7, 2016, Plano ISD voters passed a $481 million bond proposal to fund initiatives recommended by the Plano ISD Facilities and Technology Task Force. Appointed in August, 2015 by the Plano ISD Board of Trustees, the task force was comprised of citizens, business leaders, teachers and parents. During several meetings conducted this school year, the task force reviewed enrollment trends and projections, established construction and renovation needs and validated costs before making recommendations to the school board. On February 2, trustees approved the order calling for the May 7 bond election (watch board meeting video 18 minutes).
Collin County voters residing within the Plano ISD attendance zone were asked to consider a single proposition to provide $481 million toward eight major project areas with no increase to the tax rate. All Plano ISD campuses will be impacted by district-wide security updates, renovations and facility upgrades, as well as technology improvements. Reroofing projects and construction of permanent classroom space to replace portables will be funded from a combination of surplus funds generated through the 2013 Tax Ratification Election (TRE) and unissued bond funds from the 2008 bond program.
District-Wide Renovations and Upgrades
Major renovations at Shepton High School and Robinson Middle School. Refurbishments at Barksdale, Gulledge, Haggar, Haun, Miller and Skaggs Elementary Schools, Bowman and Wilson Middle Schools and Jasper and Williams High Schools. The bond proposal also addresses needs for schools and service facilities such as carpet and air-conditioning equipment, updating fire alarms or energy management systems and site improvements for parking or fire lanes.
Fine Arts
With more than 60% of Plano ISD secondary students participating in fine arts programs, funding includes an auditorium for large and acoustically appropriate performances. Currently, the district spends in excess of $45,000 annually to rent space for district performances. The bond package would allow for construction of a Plano ISD performing arts and multipurpose facility to be used for performances by all fine arts programs in the school district. Other fine arts projects include additions to current campus-based fine arts facilities to increase classroom size, improve space functionality, increase storage capability and make dance floor improvements.
Technology
The district's current operating budget cannot support large technology purchases without taking dollars away from other instructional programs. This bond package includes district-wide improvements to technology infrastructure and additional equipment to support classroom technologies that help maintain the district's 2013-16 Technology Plan. The technology portion of the bonds is repaid over a shorter term (5 years) than the other projects.
Expanding Classroom and Program Capacity
Funding would include purchasing property and constructing new facilities that will increase classroom capacity across the school district and expand program offerings for students and teachers.
Early Childhood Education
As studies have shown that preschool education increases the academic success of students, the bond includes plans for a fourth early childhood school in conjunction with planned expansion of pre-k opportunities.
Safety and Security
District-wide upgrades and improvements would include access control systems; security camera systems; emergency communication equipment; campus panic alarms; security upgrades for senior high schools; and safety upgrades for Clark Stadium.
New Buses
Funding would be allocated to replace 90 buses as they reach the end of their fifteen-year useful life cycles.
Athletics
Proposed upgrades to athletic facilities include replacing artificial turf at Clark Stadium and the three senior high school indoor practice facilities, adding artificial turf at the Clark Triple Fields, Williams High School Field and the three senior high school outdoor practice fields, replacing the scoreboard at Clark Stadium, adding locker rooms on the home and visitor sides of Clark East Field, a locker room renovation at Plano East Senior High School and softball and baseball bleacher enhancements/expansions."It has been eight years since the school district has held a bond issue to address major facilities and technology needs," said Nancy Humphrey, school board president. “The 2008 bond election included $490 million toward several major projects and was initially planned to provide for capital needs through 2012. Its lifespan is twice what was originally intended, and now voters will have the opportunity to consider our district's needs."
The Plano ISD Board of Trustees is committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities and leading edge technology resources for all students, while remaining good stewards of taxpayer dollars. Plano ISD’s bond ratings are Aaa/AA+, the highest ratings assigned to Texas school districts by Moody's and Standard & Poor's rating agencies. All items promised in the 2008 bond have been addressed and/or are in progress. For 13 consecutive years, Plano ISD has earned the highest rating of "Superior Achievement" in the state's School FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) program. This rating shows that Plano ISD's schools are accountable not only for student learning, but also for achieving results cost effectively and efficiently. The report is based on staff, student and budget data that the financial services team submits annually to the Texas Education Agency.
For 32 consecutive years, Plano ISD has also earned the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. Plano ISD's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) has been judged each year by an impartial panel to meet high standards, including demonstrating a constructive spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate the school district's financial story. The certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental financial reporting and accounting. Its attainment represents a significant achievement by government and its management.
Due to the district's strong fiscal management practices, Plano ISD has been able to maintain the second-lowest property tax rate among Collin County school districts, which will remain unchanged if voters approve this bond proposal. Because payments on existing debt are declining as old debt is being paid off, the school district can issue these new bonds without a tax rate increase, based on current interest and tax base growth models.
Current Tax Rates for Collin County School Districts
- Anna - $1.6700
- McKinney - $1.6700
- Melissa - $1.6700
- Prosper - $1.6700
- Celina - $1.6400
- Wylie - $1.6400
- Community - $1.6250
- Princeton - $1.6200
- Allen - $1.6100
- Blue Ridge - $1.5715
- Lovejoy - $1.5600
- Frisco - $1.4600
- Plano - $1.4390
- Farmersville - $1.4295
Voting Information and Contacts
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- Bond Information Meetings
- Notice of Bond Election | Aviso de Elección de Bono
- Zero Tax Rate Increase Explained in Video
- Bond Overview Video
- Video of Superintendent Dr. Brian Binggeli Presentation at Plano Chamber of Commerce Town Hall Meeting
- Bond Presentation
- Chamber of Commerce Resolution
- Bond Overview | Información
- Projects Summary | Proyectos
- Press Release | Presione Soltar
- Frequently Asked Questions | Preguntas frecuentes
- Facilities & Technology Task Force
- Voting Information & Contacts