Conroe ISD Bond Referendum: Growth & No Tax Hike

**Conroe ISD Voters Head to Polls for Landmark $1.98 Billion Bond Referendum**

Conroe, TX – Voters within the Conroe Independent School District (CISD) are preparing to cast their ballots on May 4, 2024, to decide the fate of a substantial $1.98 billion bond referendum. The proposed package aims to address the district’s explosive student growth, maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure, and expand educational opportunities to meet evolving community needs. Early voting is already underway, running from April 22 through April 30.

The bond proposal is segmented into two distinct propositions, each targeting specific areas of investment.

**Proposition A: Addressing Growth and Essential Needs ($1.97 Billion)**

The vast majority of the bond package, Proposition A, totaling $1.97 billion, is designed to accommodate the district’s rapidly expanding student population and enhance foundational educational services. If approved, funds from Proposition A would be allocated across several critical areas:

* **New School Construction:** The bond includes provisions for building new campuses at all levels—elementary, junior high, and high school—to alleviate overcrowding in existing facilities.
* **Land Acquisition:** Funds are earmarked for purchasing land to secure locations for future school sites, anticipating continued long-term growth.
* **Renovations and Additions:** Existing campuses across the district would receive vital renovations, expansions, and infrastructure upgrades to improve learning environments and extend their operational lifespan.
* **Technology Upgrades:** Investment in modern classroom technology is planned to ensure students have access to current educational tools and resources.
* **Safety and Security Enhancements:** A significant portion is dedicated to implementing crucial safety measures, including secure vestibules, enhanced surveillance systems, and controlled access points across all campuses, aiming to create safer learning environments for students and staff.
* **Career and Technical Education (CTE) Expansion:** To prepare students for an evolving workforce, the bond would expand CTE programs, offering more pathways in high-demand fields such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
* **Transportation:** The package also includes funds for purchasing new school buses to maintain a safe and efficient transportation fleet for the growing student body.

**Proposition B: Grand Oaks High School Natatorium ($10 Million)**

A much smaller, focused request, Proposition B, seeks $10 million for the construction of a natatorium at Grand Oaks High School. This facility would provide dedicated space for the school’s growing aquatic programs, serve as a resource for physical education, and potentially host district-wide swimming events.

**No Anticipated Tax Rate Increase**

A key selling point emphasized by Conroe ISD officials is that the district anticipates *no tax rate increase* for taxpayers if the bond package passes. CISD attributes this outlook to several factors:

* **Strategic Debt Management:** The district’s proactive approach to managing its existing debt portfolio.
* **Continued Property Value Growth:** Rapid residential and commercial development within the district consistently increases the total taxable property value, generating more revenue even with a stable tax rate.
* **Existing Debt Maturity:** As older debt is paid off, the district gains capacity to issue new bonds without needing to raise the debt service tax rate.

Conroe ISD’s current tax rate is approximately $0.9859 per $100 valuation, with the debt service portion (Interest & Sinking, or I&S rate) currently at $0.27. Officials project that the district’s robust growth will allow it to issue and repay the proposed bond without increasing this I&S rate.

**District Growth and Needs**

The bond package comes as Conroe ISD continues to experience some of the fastest growth in the state. The district reports an influx of approximately 3,000 new students annually, pushing current enrollment over 70,000 students. Projections indicate this rapid expansion will continue, underscoring the pressing demand for new facilities and expanded services.

The bond package was developed following extensive work by a Citizens Bond Advisory Committee, a group of community members appointed by the school board to evaluate district needs and recommend projects. The committee’s recommendations formed the basis of the propositions presented to voters.

**Voting Information**

Early voting for the Conroe ISD bond election concludes on Tuesday, April 30. Registered voters can cast their ballots at designated early voting locations within Montgomery County.

Election Day is Saturday, May 4, 2024, with polling locations open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Voters must present a valid form of photo identification. For a full list of early voting and Election Day polling locations, acceptable forms of ID, and detailed information about the bond propositions, residents are encouraged to visit the official Conroe ISD bond website at [insert specific Conroe ISD bond website URL here, e.g., ConroeISD.net/bond2024] or the Montgomery County Elections Administrator website.

The outcome of this significant bond referendum will shape the future of educational facilities and programs for tens of thousands of students and the rapidly growing communities within the Conroe ISD attendance zone for years to come.