Conroe ISD Voters Approve $1.98B Bond, No Tax Increase

**Conroe ISD Secures Landmark $1.98 Billion Bond Approval, Pledges No Tax Rate Increase**

**CONROE, TX – November 8, 2023** – Conroe Independent School District (CISD) voters delivered a resounding affirmation of the district’s future growth strategy, decisively approving a $1.98 billion bond referendum in the November 7 general election. Both Proposition A and Proposition B passed, paving the way for crucial infrastructure, security, and facility improvements, all while the district maintains its commitment to funding the bond through current Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rates, meaning no increase is anticipated for property owners.

The district, which currently serves over 72,000 students across 67 campuses, is bracing for rapid expansion, with projections indicating an annual addition of 2,000 to 2,500 students over the next decade. This growth could see the student population soar to 100,000 by 2033, underscoring the urgent need for new facilities.

**Proposition A: Addressing Critical Growth and Safety Needs**

Proposition A, the cornerstone of the bond package at $1.97 billion, passed with a significant 68.08% of the vote (38,289 votes for, 17,947 against). This substantial investment is primarily earmarked for accommodating explosive student enrollment, particularly in the rapidly developing Conroe, Grand Oaks, Oak Ridge, and The Woodlands feeder zones, as well as emerging communities like Artavia, Grangerland, Harper’s Preserve, and The Highlands.

Key projects funded by Proposition A include:
* **Six New Schools:** Construction of three new elementary schools, two intermediate schools, and one new high school to alleviate overcrowding and provide capacity for future students.
* **New Agriculture Science Center:** A modern facility to support the district’s growing agricultural science programs.
* **District-Wide Security Upgrades:** Comprehensive enhancements across all campuses, including improved access control systems, expanded surveillance capabilities, secure vestibules at entry points, and updated communication technologies to ensure student and staff safety.
* **Technology Infrastructure Improvements:** Upgrades to network bandwidth, Wi-Fi capabilities, and classroom technology to support modern learning environments.
* **Facility Renovations:** Various improvements to existing campuses to extend their lifespan and enhance learning conditions.

**Proposition B: Stadium Enhancements for Athletic Programs**

Proposition B, totaling $12.3 million for stadium renovations, also received voter approval, though by a narrower margin of 55.42% (30,757 votes for, 24,737 against). This funding will target significant improvements for the stadiums at Conroe High School and The Woodlands High School. Planned renovations are expected to include upgrades to seating, restrooms, concession facilities, press boxes, and accessibility features to enhance the experience for athletes, students, and the community.

**Funding Without a Tax Rate Increase: How CISD Plans to Deliver**

A critical aspect highlighted by the district throughout the bond campaign was the commitment to fund the bond without raising the current I&S tax rate. This is largely achievable due to the robust growth in Conroe ISD’s tax base, driven by an influx of new residential and commercial development within its boundaries. As new properties are added to the tax roll, the district generates more revenue even at the same tax rate, allowing it to issue new debt while maintaining existing rates and efficiently managing its debt service schedule.

“We are incredibly grateful for the community’s overwhelming support and the trust they’ve placed in Conroe ISD,” stated Superintendent Dr. Curtis Null following the election results. “This bond allows us to plan effectively for the ongoing, unprecedented growth we are experiencing while upholding our commitment to fiscal responsibility and maintaining the current tax rate for our property owners. It’s a testament to our district’s conservative fiscal management and the vibrant growth of our community.”

Board President Datari Turner echoed Dr. Null’s sentiment, adding, “This outcome ensures that our district can continue to provide high-quality education in safe, modern facilities for every student, both current and future. It’s a truly transformative moment for Conroe ISD.”

**A Collaborative Planning Process**

The development of the bond package was a highly collaborative and transparent process. Planning began in Spring 2023 with a citizen-led Bond Planning Committee comprising over 70 diverse community members. This committee met for several months, conducting in-depth analyses of district needs, demographic projections, and financial considerations before presenting their comprehensive recommendations to the Board of Trustees.

The approved bond package represents a significant step forward for Conroe ISD, enabling it to proactively address the challenges and opportunities presented by one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation. For more information on the bond projects and district plans, please visit the Conroe ISD website at [www.conroeisd.net].