FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where will the new Upper Junior High School be located?
The Board and Administration have not yet committed to a specific location for the new Upper Junior High School. They have identified three possible locations, and BISD owns land at several sites. Further research on all potential locations will be conducted if the proposed bond passes.
Where will the new Upper Junior High School be located?
The Board and Administration have not yet committed to a specific location for the new Upper Junior High School. They have identified three possible locations, and BISD owns land at several sites. Further research on all potential locations will be conducted if the proposed bond passes.
Why has the District not committed to an exact location already?
To choose a location for the new school, research such as geotechnical reports, surveys, and potentially civil engineering studies needs to be completed. In the spirit of fiscal responsibility, that research will only be conducted if the bond passes in November.
If the bond passes, how will the location of the new school be determined?
Research will be conducted at all potential locations to determine feasibility. Once the research is complete, the findings will be discussed during publicly scheduled board meetings where community members can attend and sign up to comment.
Why did the District decide to replace the building instead of renovating it?
When deciding whether to renovate or replace a building, organizations consider the Facility Condition Index (FCI), which compares the cost of necessary renovations to the cost of replacement. Once those numbers are determined, the total renovation cost is divided by the total replacement cost. See the equation below for reference.
The FCI for the Upper Junior High is calculated at 72%. Based on the chart below, the Committee determined that replacement was more fiscally responsible.
Why do we need additional classrooms at the Lower Junior High?
The campus is currently at full capacity, with 210 students at the Lower Junior High. Every room in the building is being used, and the conference room has been converted into a classroom. Additionally, the campus lacks ADA-compliant facilities for students with significant disabilities.
What is a school bond?
School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors in order to raise capital for large projects and purchases, such as new construction, renovations, or transportation (e.g., buses and vehicles). Essentially, it’s a loan that is repaid over time with the I&S tax rate, similar to how a family repays a mortgage.
How is the District tax rate configured?
A school district's tax rate consists of two components: the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax and the Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax. The M&O tax supports the district's operational costs, such as salaries, utilities, supplies, and transportation. The I&S tax is dedicated to repaying bonds used for school construction projects. Bond sales impact only the I&S tax rate.
Why can’t Buffalo ISD complete these projects within its current budget?
The State of Texas sets the M&O tax rate for school districts. Approximately 80% of the budget is allocated to salaries for District staff, while the remaining 20% covers electricity, fuel, building maintenance, and other expenses. For large capital projects like those proposed in the bond, voter approval is required through a called bond election.
My property values continue to rise. Can’t the District just use my extra taxes to pay for this?
BISD receives funding through local property tax collections and state funding. Since the State determines the District’s operating budget, any increase in local collections results in a corresponding decrease in state funding. Therefore, Buffalo ISD’s operating budget does not increase with additional tax revenue.
The school keeps raising the value of my home. How do they expect me to live?
Property values are determined by your county’s Appraisal District (CAD). Buffalo ISD and the CAD are not affiliated, and they are governed by separate boards of trustees. BISD plays no role in determining property values.
Can bond dollars be used for salaries?
No, by law, the I&S tax rate cannot be used for salaries or ongoing operating expenses. The M&O tax rate funds salaries, utilities, student learning supplies, and other operational expenses. The State dictates the M&O tax rate and the amount of money the district receives from it.
If the State determines the M&O tax rate, do they have a say in the I&S rate?
No, the only input the State has on the I&S Tax Rate is that school districts cannot pass or sell bonds that would require Boards of Trustees to set an I&S rate of more than $0.50. Outside of that, I&S tax dollars stay within the District.
What is the anticipated tax rate increase for this bond?
The anticipated tax rate increase for this bond is $0.013. Please visit the bond website to see how this tax increase will affect you. A calculator will be available where you can input your property value to receive a personalized estimate of your tax impact.
How will this bond impact me if I am over 65?
Buffalo ISD residents 65 and older, who have properly applied and qualified for an over-65 exemption, will have their tax bill frozen, unaffected by future appraisal or tax rate increases. However, significant improvements to your homestead may impact your bill. For information on how to apply, visit the Leon County CAD website at www.leoncad.org, or contact Freestone County CAD by calling (903) 389-5510.
What is included in the bond proposition?
The bond includes the construction of a new Upper Junior High, an addition of classrooms at the Lower Junior High, a new roof at the elementary school, and new flooring at both the Lower Junior High and the high school.
Is this something the Board or Superintendent decided?
No. While the Board of Trustees participated in planning, a citizens committee was established to give the community a voice in the planning process. Ultimately, it was the committee that recommended the Board call the bond election.
Who was on the committee?
The BISD Facility Committee was diverse and represented a cross-section of our community. The committee included business owners, parents, staff, administrators, and Board members.
How will the projects included be done within budget?
Both the Buffalo ISD Facility Committee and the BISD Board of Trustees have worked to create a plan that is transparent and conservative. Careful consideration has been given to the budget, design, and construction processes. Continuous updates on planning, progress, and the timeline will be shared with the community.
If the bond does not pass in November and the District tries again in May, what is the projected cost increase?
Current projections suggest that construction costs could possibly increase by approximately $3 million if the bond does not pass in November, and the District attempts again in May.
Why can't the district use its fund balance to pay for the projects?
Although the district has a healthy fund balance, it is not sufficient to cover multi-million-dollar projects. The fund balance is designated for operating expenses, including teacher salaries and other routine costs.
Why can't the district obtain a full set of plans before the bond passes?
Unlike traditional home projects, the district cannot develop full plans until the bond is approved. Creating these plans is a costly task performed by the district's architect, and it wouldn’t be fiscally responsible to incur these expenses before voter approval.
What happens if the Bond does not pass?
Buffalo ISD will continue to educate all kids and teach them to be proud Bison.