CFISD long‑range plan proposes $1.64 billion bond; administration projects 3¢ I&S tax‑rate reduction

Staff presented the long‑range planning committee’s final recommendation for a bond referendum totaling about $1.64 billion at the Aug. 6 work session. "Prop B, our general proposition of approximately $1,300,000,000, addresses life‑cycle replacements of critical infrastructure," the presenter said, listing HVAC, lighting, plumbing, safety systems, technology infrastructure, police vehicles and a 15‑year bus replacement cycle.

Other special propositions included roughly $256 million for district technology and devices (Prop C), $61 million for high‑school athletic facility life‑cycle needs (Prop D) and about $20.1 million for middle and high‑school pool repairs (Prop E). Staff said state statute requires specific proposition language and that the ballot must include the statement that the proposition is a property‑tax increase, even where the I&S rate is projected to fall.

Presenters and financial advisers said that, if voters approve the bond package, strategic debt payoff and refundings would likely lower the district’s interest & sinking rate from 40¢ to 37¢ per $100 valuation. The board and staff said the community will decide the scope and cost of propositions if the board places the bond referendum on the ballot at its upcoming meeting.