District explains DSISD bond

As election season approaches, Dripping Springs ISD readies to hold an election for this year’s $481.1 million bond package.

In preparation, the district put together a series of educational presentations for campus staff, stakeholders and community groups and leaders throughout the months of September and October. These presentations, led by DSISD Superintendent Dr. Holly Morris- Kuentz and Deputy Superintendent Elaine Cogburn, intend to “present information on the 2022 Bond and answer questions,” according to DSISD. One such event was held at the most recent Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Coming in at $353 million more than the 2018 Bond Package, this year’s bond has been a point of contention for many district residents, requesting that some of the money be spent to increase teacher pay or improve bus routes. However, as Morris-Kuentz explained, this is not the purpose of a bond.

“There is no other funding mechanism for school buildings other than a bond,” she said. “No state aid is available for buildings. The purpose of a bond is very specific, and it cannot be used for any operating expenses.”

The 2022 bond includes funding for three main propositions: Propositions A, B and C.

Proposition A — with a price tag of nearly $200 million — primarily focuses on elementary and middle school improvements. This includes building a sixth elementary school (likely in or near the Headwaters neighborhood), designing a seventh elementary school, designing a third middle school and expanding Sycamore Springs Middle School.

Proposition B is intended to fund the construction of a second high school, allocating over $275 million to the endeavor.

Proposition C covers “Technology Lifestyle Replacements,” and is the smallest proposition of the three at approximately $6.5 million.

Approval of the bond is not expected to result in a change to the 2022– 2023 tax rate, which is $1.2929 per $100 of certified property value, according to DSISD. Although the rate itself is lower than in 2021–2022 ($1.3103), this year’s tax rate is still considered an increase, since the district will make more revenue in property taxes than it did last year. This is, in large part, due to increased property values.

In their presentations, DSISD representatives emphasized the measures they have taken to remain not only financially responsible but also proactive. Cogburn discussed the district’s active debt management measures, including its recent defeasance regarding the 2014 Bond Package.

“In the last 10 years, DSISD has successfully completed four refinancings and one cash defeasance, producing a total savings of over $32.7 million for district taxpayers,” she said.

Although the $481.1 million price tag can be difficult for some to swallow, Morris-Kuentz emphasized the district’s need for the bond, as well as the buildings it can provide.

“Right now, Sycamore Springs Middle School is an 850-student campus that has 1,000 students in its building, so they’re over capacity,” she said. “Dripping Springs High School is expected to exceed capacity next year. We don’t want our small town to grow, but realistically, we have to accept the students that come to our school district.”

Currently, student enrollment sits at 8,539 students for the DSISD 2022–2023 school year. In five years, that number is expected to reach 12,189; in ten, 15,800.

The bond package was the result of a thorough planning process conducted by the district that involved community members, parents and campus and district staff. Beginning in 2019, the district’s Long-Range Facility Planning Committee evaluated the current state of district facilities, reviewed school capacity and program models and examined demographic data. Following the LRFPC process, a Citizens’ Bond Steering Committee was convened in May to take the recommendations of the LRFPC and consider bond project options and associated costs.

Residents must be registered to vote by Oct. 11 in order to be eligible to vote in the bond election. The first day of early voting in person is Monday, Oct. 24. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

To view the full bond package, visit the DSISD website at dsisdtx.us/ dsisd.