On Tuesday, November 4, voters in Bland ISD will vote on the district’s $9,000,000 bond package and $0.08 (8-cent) VATRE.
Proposed Bond
Projects
Proposition A
District-Wide Roof Assessment
Roof Replacement at the Elementary/Middle School
HVAC Updates
Secure Transportation Yard
Additional Parking at all Campuses
Land Acquisition to Address Future Growth
New Coolers/Freezers, and Updated Sound System at the Elementary/Middle School
Safety and Security Updates
Upgraded PA/Bell Systems, Security Cameras, Card-Reader/Access Updates, ADA Updates
Why is Bland ISD having a bond?
In collaboration with the Board of Trustees, teachers, administrators, and community members, the Facilities Planning Committee created a list of potential items for a future bond package. The District and Board of Trustees have been reviewing existing facilities, equipment, enrollment trends, and ADA requirements.
GROWTH
Bland ISD is preparing for rapid enrollment growth, with over 2,800 planned residential lots planned in the area. Enrollment is projected to increase from 780 students in 2024 to 1,344 by 2034— more than 70% over the next decade.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Safety and security projects in the bond include:
Security Vestibules
Security Cameras
Upgraded PA/Bell Systems
Card-Reader/Access Updates
ADA Updates
VATRE
Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election
Proposition B
BLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL ELECTION
PROPOSITION B: THIS IS A TAX INCREASE
“Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $.93693 per $100 valuation in Bland Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 11.40 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $325,806.”
___FOR
___AGAINST
Ballot Language
The VATRE will address:
Teacher and Staff Retention
Staff Insurance and Benefits
Instructional Costs
Maintenance and Operations Costs
Voter approval of an additional $0.08 on the M&O (Maintenance and Operations) tax rate would generate $325,806 in local revenue. For every $1 contributed locally, the state contributes an additional $2.96—generating $964,385.76. Together, this totals $1,290,192 in revenue to be used on teacher and staff salaries, instructional costs, and maintenance and operations costs.
LOCAL
$325,806
STATE
$964,385
TOTAL REVENUE
$1,290,192
Important Dates
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Register to Vote
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6
October 6 is the deadline to register to vote.
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Community Bond Presentation
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 @ 6:00 PM
Bland Elementary Cafeteria
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Early Voting
OCTOBER 20-31
Early voting by personal appearance.
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Community Bond Presentation
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 @ 7:00 PM
Bland Elementary Cafeteria
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Election Day
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
All polling locations are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Community members are encouraged to learn how the proposed bond package will impact students, programs, and facilities. Please review the additional materials, or submit a bond question directly to the school district.