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 for projects such as the renovation of existing buildings or building a new school. Essentially, the voters are giving permission for the District to take out a loan 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. School boards then have the authority to sell bonds when facilities are needed.

Bond funds can only be used for projects approved by voters in the bond proposition, such as new schools, additions, renovations, land, and major technology or equipment. They cannot be used for salaries or operating costs like utilities, fuel, insurance, supplies, or routine maintenance.

Residents 65 and over are eligible for an “over 65” exemption. If you have applied for and received the age 65 and older exemption on your homestead, by law, your school taxes cannot be raised above their frozen level. The amount of taxes you pay is determined by the tax amount at the time your taxes were frozen.

Visit the Texas Secretary of State’s “Am I Registered?” webpage.