Board approves calling $456.2 million bond election

During their regular meeting Monday, Feb. 12, the Longview ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved calling a May 4 bond election for five propositions totaling $456.2 million to fund district projects that will address aging buildings, Career and Technical Education, safety and security, a new bus barn, an early childhood center, stadium renovations, and a natatorium.

It has been 16 years since the last major investment in Longview ISD. In May 2008, Longview residents approved a bond to construct new elementary and middle school campuses. Since then, no major renovations have been made to the facilities included in the 2024 bond proposal.

"This bond proposition is largely in thanks to the work from our board and staff at the district, and I want to thank them for identifying these areas that need to be addressed," said Board President Mr. Michael Tubb. "We are committed to being good financial stewards on behalf of our taxpayers while meeting the critical facility needs of LISD students and staff. These bond propositions focus on safety and security, as well as renovations to aging infrastructure and athletic facilities. I encourage all voters to learn more about the facts behind the bond propositions so they can make an informed decision."

Texas school districts do not receive state funding for renovating or building new schools. Instead, they must receive funds through school bond elections. Registered voters residing within the Longview ISD boundaries will be asked to consider five bond propositions that would generate funding for safety and security updates, renovations and updates to existing facilities, a multi-purpose facility, and athletic facility renovations.

The projects are broken down into the following five propositions:

PROPOSITION A: $237.7 million

• Address Aging Buildings
  • Longview High School
  • Coliseum improvements
  • District-wide renovations
  • Energy efficiency upgrades
  • Early Graduation High School
  • New Career & Technical Building
  • Safety and Security updates
  • New LISD Bus Barn

PROPOSITION B: $76.5 million 

• New Early Childhood Center
• PFK renovated for new offices

PROPOSITION C: $79.1 million

• Multi-Purpose Facility
• Tennis/Soccer/Baseball/Softball

PROPOSITION D: $21 million

• Renovations to Lobo Stadium/Judson Stadium 

PROPOSITION E: $41.9 million

• Natatorium (Aquatics Center)
   

Safety is the number one priority for Longview ISD and is the driving force behind this bond proposal, said Dr. Wayne Guidry, Assistant Superintendent of Finance.

"We hope that residents will take the time to learn more about the projects proposed, our tax rates, and the other issues on the ballot, and ask questions before casting their vote in this election,” he said. 

Any LISD resident who is registered to vote may cast a ballot in this election. Voters will be asked to vote on each separate proposition. The deadline to register to vote in the May election is April 4.

Residents can register for the first time, update their registration, or simply check to see if they are registered at GreggCountyVotes.com or VoteTexas.gov. You may also visit any LISD campus to pick up a voter registration application.

Early Voting is April 22-30 and Election Day is Saturday, May 4.

The LISD total tax rate has decreased by more than 37 cents over the last 6 years, resulting in the current tax rate of $1.1422. 

If voters approve all five propositions, the estimated impact would be $0.83 per month, or $10 per year, for a $200,000 home in Longview ISD. 

If voters approve $237.7 million for Proposition A in May, the estimated impact would be $0.43 per month for a home valued at $200,000 in Longview ISD. If voters approve $76.5 million for Proposition B in May, the estimated impact would be $0.14 per month on the same home. If voters approve $66 million for Proposition C in May, the estimated impact would be $0.14 per month. If voters approve $21 million for Proposition D in May, the estimated impact would be $0.04 per month. If voters approve $41.9 million for Proposition C in May, the estimated impact would be $0.08 per month.

Compared to 15 other surrounding school districts, Longview ISD has one of the lowest debt-to-assessed value ratios at 1.8 percent. Additionally, LISD received a near-perfect score from the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), which holds school districts accountable for their financial management.

Longview ISD will schedule informational meetings and be in the community to share more project information and answer questions. Dates and details for those meetings and general bond information will be shared through the district’s regular communication channels. 

In 2019, Texas Legislators passed a new law as part of House Bill 3 that requires all bond propositions for any school district to have the phrase “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE’’ on all ballot language for bond propositions. Due to this requirement, all voters will see this statement on the official ballot language, even if the tax dollar amount is frozen and will not exceed the tax ceiling.

For more information, visit www.LISD.org/bond or call Longview ISD Community Relations at 903-381-2235.