While Northside ISD will not increase the tax rate if voters approve this bond, the state requires all school districts hosting a bond election to include the language “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX RATE INCREASE,” even when the district is not changing the tax rate.

Bond funds can be used to pay for new buildings, additions and renovations to existing buildings, land acquisition, technology, buses, and equipment, among other items. By law, bond funds may not be used to fund daily operating expenses, such as salaries or utilities. We love our teachers and school staff.

Renovating our schools creates a better working environment for staff. Funding projects with bonds frees up money in our Maintenance & Operations (M&O) budget to give teachers raises, maintain program costs, and pay staff salaries.

Planning for the district’s current and future needs is one of the fundamental duties of school boards and district administrators. As such, there is a constant evaluation of facilities and other needs in light of the changing district population, the age of district facilities, changes in technology, and even changes in instruction. When the district determines that it has needs beyond the capacity of the Maintenance & Operations budget (M&O), the Board may issue a bond.

The Maintenance & Operations (M&O) budget covers the day-to-day expenses of the district, where 84% is directed towards staff salaries and benefits. The Texas Education Agency, through the Financial Integrity Ratings System of Texas (Schools FIRST), sets the guideline for school districts to have three months of operating expenditures in fund balance. Maintaining the required fund balance, as well as the operational needs of the district (with limited state funding) may restrict districts from building adequate savings to fund facilities and infrastructure needs.