Questions

question 1- Where will the multipurpose facility be Built if the Bond Passes? does the district already own that property? if unowned by the district, who owns it, and is the price to purchase the land included in the proposed costs? Has the price already been negotiated or will it increase in price if the bond passes?



Answer- The multipurpose facility will be built on the property located on the same block as the athletic field house located north of Newton Field. The district owns the property. 



question 2- Why a multipurpose indoor turf field versus a community basketball facility? wouldn't a basketball facility help support more indoor activities than turf?

Answer- A multipurpose indoor facility will provide a facility that can be utilized by approximately 500 students who participate in band, dance, cheer, soccer, track, and football. Additionally, the indoor facility will be used for additional uses such as elementary field days (during inclement weather) summer strength & conditioning programs, youth sports activities, etc. The district has two full-size gyms at Graham High and Graham Junior High School. Additionally, the district has indoor gyms at Pioneer, Crestview, and Woodland Elementary campuses. The plan is to leave the Woodland Elementary gym in place for community use, etc. 




question 3- What will happen to headstart? why are they not included in the plans to combine schools when the district pays extra to outsource headstart?

Answer- Graham ISD does not outsource Headstart services. Graham ISD is within the Headstart service area that is managed by The Rolling Plains Management Corporation. Graham ISD does partner with Rolling Plains for Early Headstart and Headstart. 




question 4- would the enclosed multipurpose facility be heated and cooled?

Answer- The enclosed multipurpose facility will be heated but not air-conditioned. Large overhead fans and large roll-up doors will provide cooling and ventilation. The indoor facility we visited this past Fall reported the facility was able to remain at approximately 85 degrees during the 100+ degree weather this past July, August, and September. 




question 5- Can you explain to me how I can figure out what this bond will cost me as a homeowner and business owner? $4587 of my property taxes went to the Graham ISD, including my residence and business property. 

Answer- There is a tax calculator on the 2024 Bond website that will calculate the cost for your home. Please go to https://grahamisd.com/, click on the 2024 Bond tab at the top left of the page, then click on Tax Info. The Personal Tax Rate Calculator is located just below the tax rate chart. To calculate the increased annual amount for your business property multiply the taxable value of your business by .015 and then divide by 100. 




question 6- What is the tax implication per proposal?

Answer- The tax rate impact for either Proposition A or Proposition B is $0.00. The tax rate impact if both Proposition A and Proposition B are approved by the voters is $0.015. This information has been updated under the Tax Info and Videos/Images tabs on the 2024 Bond Website.  




question 7- I have been told that I must choose between voting for Proposition A or Proposition B. Is that accurate?

Answer- When you go to the poll to vote in the May 4th election you will have the opportunity to to vote for both of the Graham ISD Bond Propositions.  They will appear on your ballot as separate items with the following ballot language.

GRAHAM INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSITION A

THE ISSUANCE OF $27,500,000 OF BONDS BY THE GRAHAM INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, ACQUISITION, AND EQUIPMENT OF SCHOOL FACILITIES AND SAFETY AND SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS IN THE DISTRICT, AND THE LEVY OF TAXES SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE BONDS. THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.

GRAHAM INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSITION B

THE ISSUANCE OF $10,500,000 OF BONDS BY THE GRAHAM INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, ACQUISITION, AND EQUIPMENT OF A NEW STUDENT MULTIPURPOSE FACILITY, AND THE LEVY OF TAXES SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE BONDS. THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.






question 8- Is this a long-term solution? We keep renovating old schools. Why not build a new one that will last? 

Answer- Based upon my knowledge the most recent bond packages provided new school facilities. In 2003, voters approved a $5 million bond package to construct Pioneer Elementary. In 2008, the voters approved a $30 million bond package to construct the current high school. 

In May 2023 a bond option was presented that addressed school construction needs for a longer period. The proposed 2023 bond package included:

The projected tax increase for the 2023 bond package was 14.4 cents. Per feedback following the election, the decision was made to scale back the bond package to close to a zero tax increase. When the high school bond is paid off in 2030, we believe it may be possible to construct a new Woodland Elementary for close to a $0 tax increase.






question 8- How will this affect taxes?


Answer- The tax impact for either Proposition A or Proposition B is $0.00. The tax impact if both Proposition A and Proposition are approved by the voters is $0.015. To determine how this will impact your taxes, please go to grahamisd.com, click on the 2024 Bond tab, locate the tax rate calculator, and input the tax value for your home. The calculator will show how much this will cost you monthly/yearly.  Please note- citizens who are aged 65 and older and who have applied for and received their “over 65 freeze” will not see an increase in their taxes if this bond is approved by the voters. 






question ?- Questions will be added Here

Answer- Answers will be add here