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Frequently Asked Questions

A graphic promoting the Lamar CISD Bond 2025, featuring a school building illustration.

Bond 2025 Frequently Asked Questions

  • A school bond is similar to a home mortgage. It is a way for a school district to borrow money to fund major capital projects—such as building new schools, expanding existing facilities, and purchasing land—by selling bonds to investors. The district then repays the bonds over time, with interest, using a portion of the local property tax rate approved by voters. 

    Bond funds can only be used for capital expenses like construction, renovations, land purchases, technology infrastructure, and large equipment. They cannot be used for day-to-day operating costs such as teacher and staff salaries, utilities, classroom supplies, or academic programs. State law requires that all bond dollars be spent only on the voter-approved projects listed in the bond proposal. 

  • Our district is experiencing hyper-growth and evolving educational needs. The bond will help us: 

    • Build new schools to reduce overcrowding and meet the needs of our growing community 

    • Modernize aging facilities 

    • Enhance classroom technology 

    • Improve safety and security measures 

    • Expand career and technical education spaces 

  • The total proposed bond amount is $1.9 billion. This figure was determined based on a comprehensive facilities assessment, tax rate implications, and community input. 

  • On August 26, The Board of Trustees voted to keep the 2025-2026 tax rate the same, based on current assumptions, there is no anticipated increase to the tax rate. Read more about Lamar CISD’s current and historical tax rates. 

  • Bond 2025 propositions were developed through a months-long process involving community input, enrollment growth projections, facility assessments, and financial analysis. The Board of Trustees appointed a Bond Citizen’s Committee made up of parents, staff, and community members to review district needs and priorities. 

    The committee studied data on student enrollment trends, building capacity, and technology needs and provided recommendations to the Board. The Board reviewed data that the Administration presented, the committee’s recommendations, and results from the community survey, and ultimately voted to call the bond election with the specific propositions presented to voters. 

    Projects were prioritized based on: 

    • Enrollment projections 

    • Facility condition assessments 

    • Educational program needs 

    • Community feedback

  • Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Early voting is October 20-31. Visit the Bond 2025 voting information page for polling locations and voting information.

  • All registered voters residing within the school district boundaries are eligible to vote in the upcoming election. 

  • Visit the Lamar CISD bond webpage to request a presentation to learn more about the Lamar CISD Bond 2025. 

  • The district’s interest and sinking (I&S) tax rate might increase if the economy shifts in a big way before or after the district sells its bonds. The current tax rate estimates rely on predictions about taxable property values, interest rates, and financial help from the state. If those predictions turn out to be wrong—like if property values don’t grow as expected, interest rates rise, or state funding goes away, the district may need to raise the tax rate to cover its debt. On the flip side, if property values grow faster, interest rates drop, or the state offers more support, the tax rate could decrease.

  • If fewer students enroll than expected, the district will delay building new schools and adjust construction and other project timelines. A successful bond election results in an authorization for the district to incur debt by selling bonds. Even if voters approve the bond, Lamar CISD won’t rush into spending. We will carefully monitor enrollment trends and make smart financial decisions.

  • Engineers concluded that both home and visitor bleachers need removal, which involves expensive upgrades for restrooms, concessions, ADA access, and the sound system. To keep the project affordable while meeting safety and code standards, the district is reducing seating capacity. A 6,000-seat stadium will still support the average football game attendance and allow resources to be focused on essential repairs and improvements.