November 2009 Bond Questions| Three Propositions | Bond Facts-Frequently Asked Questions | General Voting Information | 
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Why is Wylie ISD calling a third bond election?
In the summer of 2008, a diverse committee of more than 40 community members and district staff studied the needs of the district to accommodate existing students as well as future students who will enter Wylie ISD over the next several years. Issues such as changing growth patterns, land needs, renovation requirements, equity of education and future build-out in the district were analyzed and prioritized.
The result of those weeks of study was a recommendation by the bond planning committee to the Board of Trustees for a $198 million bond referendum to address the district’s needs. Trustees chose to cut approximately $100 million from the committee recommendation and called a $98.3 million election for November 2008. Although 7,877 voters approved that amount, the bond referendum did not pass. Through prioritization of projects, the Board of Trustees eliminated $13.8 million before going to the voters again in May 2009 asking for $84.5 million. By a narrow margin or 69 votes, the bond was unsuccessful.
How is this bond different?
The Wylie ISD Board of Trustees has listened to the community and responded with a reduced bond proposal that is presented in three propositions. In this referendum, many of the projects included in the two unsuccessful bonds have been moderated and or postponed until a later bond to respond to the Wylie community while still meeting the educational needs of Wylie students.
What is a bond election?
A bond election asks voters to authorize the sale of bonds by the school district to financial institutions to fund construction and renovation projects as well as other major purchases. If the Board of Trustees determines that the projects are no longer needed or must be delayed (due to economic changes or slowing enrollment), the bonds will not be sold.
When bonds are sold, it is usually over three to five years, which means bond projects will not begin until funding is available for them. The bonds are paid back over an extended period of time, similar to a home mortgage.
What happens if property values go down in the future?
The Board of Trustees as well as district finance professionals are sensitive to property values and the economy as they move forward with projects and determine timelines.
What will the bond cost me?
For a home valued at $250,000, the first year taxes would rise to $79.43 per year or $6.62 per month. For a home valued at $100,000, the first year the tax bill would increase $28.73 or $2.39 per month.
What is the tax impact on those 65 years of age and older?
Patrons aged 65 and above will have no increase in school property taxes should the bond pass if they have filed an Over-65 Exemption with the Collin County Appraisal District. Contact the appraisal district at 469-742-9200 or at www.collincad.org/dn.htm.
What is the Wylie ISD Bond rating?
A bond rating determines the interest rates on bonds that are sold by the school district. Wylie ISD, due to sound fiscal management by the Board of Trustees and district finance professionals, has been awarded an A+ rating by Standard and Poor’s and A by Fitch Ratings.
What monies remain from the 2004 Bond and how will they be spent?
The district has reserved $13 million for the tenth elementary with $2 million in contingency . None of these funds can be used for the WISD operating budget.
What projects in this bond are directed toward the fine arts?
The proposal includes the addition of choir rooms at Burnett and Harrison; motorizing the lighting system in the Black Box Theatre and auditorium at Wylie High School; upgrading theatrical equipment in the auditorium at WHS; adding a band hall to Wylie East High School and converting the current band hall into a Black Box Theatre; and converting the existing weight room into a dance studio at WEHS. |