What ’ s in the package
The proposed $321.5 million bond features elementary school renovations, classroom additions, safety and security improvements for all schools and facilities, and more.
receive turf and track life cycle replace- ments and seat backs for spectators. Proposition D is $9.52 million and targets life cycle turf replacement for Coppell High School’s field house. The tennis center would also receive improvements and a locker room expansion. The majority of the committee’s recommendations sought to address basic needs. Dilan Patel, Coppell High School senior and bond steering com- mittee co-chair, said the committee prioritized projects of the highest importance. “We really just decided, regarding the price of everything and what it includes and the current economic environment, is it right to put them on the current bond package?” he said. If the bond is passed, the new tax rate of $1.2917 will be $0.0744 more than the current rate. The proposed rate, however, will remain lower than the fiscal year 2021-22 tax rate and in previous fiscal years, keeping pace with the district’s gradual tax rate decline. “We have a good track record of being responsible with the taxpayers’ money, and we anticipate that we can continue that going into the future,” Caviness said. Raising awareness of CISD’s needs A large number of CISD campuses are overdue for maintenance, accord- ing to a facility condition report. Of the district’s 21 campuses and facilities, 13 were considered to be below standard. The district’s fine arts programs have outgrown its spaces, Caviness said. The bond would bring a new fine arts rehearsal building to Cop- pell High School and expand the fine arts rehearsal space at Coppell Middle School North. “Being able to provide them finally with an adequate space was, in my mind, something that didn’t need to
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“We are going to have our work cut out for us to present [the bond pack- age] to the citizens and our stakehold- ers and educate them on the needs,”
Proposition b $39.47M
Caviness said. On the ballot
Proposition a $269.58M
Voters will be asked to vote for or against each of the four propositions. Proposition A, which is $269.58 mil- lion, will address priority condition improvements at all CISD campuses. New playgrounds and playground shading would be built at 10 elemen- tary schools. Nine of the 11 elemen- tary schools would receive an interior refresh, which includes new flooring and painting. The proposition also includes safety and security features at all schools and buildings. A portion of the safety and security budget would go toward new door hardware and locks for all class- rooms, which would enable teachers to lock doors from the inside. Adding these safety and security features to the bond was critical, said Jim Walker, bond steering committee co-chair. “With everything we’ve seen with the different school shootings and all those tragedies, we very badly needed to upgrade our security,” he said. In addition to playgrounds, safety and security, Proposition A also includes roof replacement, roof repairs and site improvements to all schools and buildings. Proposition B, which is $39.47 mil- lion, includes upgrades to district tech- nology and life cycle replacements of student and staff devices. Campuses would also receive Wi-Fi improve- ments and audiovisual upgrades and replacements. Proposition C is $2.93 million and focuses on Buddy Echols Field at Cop- pell High School. The facility would
Elementary renovations, prekindergarten classroom additions, safety and security features, fine arts rehearsal space additions
Districtwide technology upgrades and life cycle replacements of student and staff devices, wireless access and audiovisual equipment
Proposition c $2.93M
Proposition d $9.52M
Renovations to Buddy Echols Field, including turf and track life cycle replacements and seat backs
Coppell High School field house life cycle turf replacement, tennis center improvements and locker room addition
SOURCE: COPPELL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Tax rate history The 2023 bond is anticipated to minimize tax rate impact. If the $321.5 million bond is passed, the new tax rate of $1.2917 per $100 valuation will be lower than the fiscal year 2021-22 tax rate and in previous fiscal years.
$1.2173
2022-23
$1.292
2021-22 2020-21 2019-20 2018-19 2017-18 2016-17 2015-16
$1.31 $1.3309
$1.4605
$1.4778 $1.4927 $1.449
0
$0.30
$0.60
$0.90
$1.20
$1.50
Tax rate
SOURCE: COPPELL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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