**Tyler ISD Calls $398 Million Bond Election for May 4th with No Anticipated Tax Rate Increase**
The Tyler Independent School District Board of Trustees officially called a $398 million bond election for Saturday, May 4th, focusing on significant facility upgrades and new construction across the district. District officials emphasize that the proposed bond package is structured to avoid an increase in the current property tax rate for residents.
The decision was made during the Board's meeting on Thursday, February 15th, following comprehensive recommendations from a community-led committee. The total $398 million bond package is divided into three separate propositions:
* **Proposition A ($347 million):** This largest component addresses critical academic and facility needs. It includes the replacement of Clarkston Elementary and Moore Elementary with brand-new campuses, funding for a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, and major renovations and additions at Peete Elementary, Hogg Elementary, Bonner Elementary, Hubbard Middle School, Tyler High School, and Legacy High School. Additionally, this proposition covers districtwide technology infrastructure and safety enhancements.
* **Proposition B ($42 million):** This proposition targets athletic facilities, specifically Phase II renovations for Rose Stadium, located at 1100 East Fair Park Drive. These renovations will include upgrades to locker rooms, restrooms, and concessions. Crucially, it also provides for new on-campus track and field facilities for both Tyler High School and Legacy High School, eliminating the need for students to travel off-site for practices and competitions.
* **Proposition C ($9 million):** The smallest proposition focuses on renovating existing gymnasiums at Jim Hogg Elementary, Peete Elementary, and Bonner Elementary, addressing a range of needs for student activities and physical education.
The district stated the bond addresses projected growth of approximately 2,000 students over the next decade and the aging infrastructure of many current facilities. Tyler ISD has not called a bond election since 2017, having not proposed one in 2020 or 2022. All projects from the 2017 bond are now complete.
The bond proposals originated from a dedicated Bond Steering Committee, comprising about 40 community members. This committee met consistently from November 2023 through January 2024, presenting its comprehensive recommendations to the Board on Thursday, January 25th.
Eligible voters must be registered by Thursday, April 4th, to participate in the upcoming election. Early voting for the bond election will take place from Monday, April 22nd, through Tuesday, April 30th. Election Day is Saturday, May 4th.
For more detailed information regarding the bond propositions, project specifics, and voting locations, residents are encouraged to visit www.tylerisd.org/bond.
