Lancaster ISD and Arlington ISD bond issues likely to pass

Two suburban Dallas school bond proposals appeared likely to pass, as of late Saturday night.

Lancaster ISD asked voters to approve borrowing $376 million, and Arlington ISD put forth a $501 million package. Only one proposition, for athletic facilities in Arlington, faced significant opposition. By a slim margin, voters opposed Proposition C, according to incomplete election returns with most voting centers still not reporting as of 9:30 p.m.

As they left the polls, several residents told The Dallas Morning News they voted to approve the bond proposals, because they want ensure robust buildings for future students. Others opted “no” out of fear of tax increases. 

In general, state funding can be used only for day-to-day expenses, like teacher salaries and supplies. Districts call bond elections to raise money for major construction projects that can take many years. Law requires districts to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors. 

Lancaster ISD

If approved in its entirety, Lancaster ISD’s  $376 million bond proposal would finance upgrades across all elementary school campuses, revamp athletic equipment and buildings, upgrade technology and more. The bond does not come with a tax rate increase. 

According to 9:30 p.m. voting returns, all four propositions in Lancaster ISD were trending toward approval, with margins ranging from 63% in favor of Proposition B to 58% in favor of Proposition C.

The bond package is split into four parts. Coming in at $322 million, Proposition A is the largest and would direct funds toward improving campus amenities, like climate control systems, plumbing and more. 

Tavia Gant, 59, cast her vote at Rolling Hills Elementary and checked “yes” for all propositions. The retired teacher has been on the “front lines,” she said, and has seen desks, chairs and classroom conditions deteriorate. 

“Our kids are our future,” Gant said. “They need every opportunity.” 

Lancaster ISD serves about 6,400 students across 12 schools. Its last bond program in 2015 helped build Elsie Robertson Lancaster STEM Middle School, West Main Elementary and Pleasant Run Elementary.

Board President Marion Hamilton said it was about time the district held another bond election, as “there’s always needs.” She attributed the bond’s likely passage to successful efforts to inform voters. 

“[Trustees] have a workshop this week,” she said. “I’m sure everybody will be ecstatic.”

Arlington ISD

Arlington ISD is asking for $501 million in its bond package. The three propositions span projects that include replacing two elementary schools, upgrading technology and installing synthetic turf on high school fields. 

The borrowing would be funded with a one-cent increase to Arlington ISD’s current tax rate. The increase would not affect homeowners over 65 who have an exemption with Tarrant County. 

Two of the three Arlington ISD propositions were trending toward passage in voting returns at 9 p.m., with propositions A and B each collecting about 60%. Proposition C was nearly even, 51% against, 49% in favor.

Proposition C was for improving athletic facilities in the district.

“With regards to the bond, [the board members] were a little worried with the political climate, but I’m telling you, we had faith in our community,” said Trustee Larry Mike. “Our community pulled together for our kids.”

The district’s last bond proposal in 2019 was a $966 million issue — about $852.7 million was set aside to renovate facilities, classrooms and furnish a full-day pre-K program. Of the 95 construction projects, 20 have been completed, as Mike cited setbacks from the pandemic and inflation.

At Ferguson Education Center, Robert and Fabiola Sims voted against all the propositions. The couple said they have enough on their plate paying off a home mortgage.

“We feel like we already pay taxes breathing God’s air,” Robert Sims said. “We don’t want any tax increases.”

Monique McGee, 60, disagreed. 

“If [tax rate] is going to increase, it’s for a good cause,” McGee said. “It’s necessary for kids to have all the things that they need to learn.”

Behind her, McGee’s grandson and granddaughter, who attend Arlington ISD schools, tagged along. As she buckled them into their car, she explained their visit to the polls was a pit stop on the way to a basketball game. 

Likewise, Rhonda Windsor, 79, said the tax increase is “worth it.” Windsor, who has lived in Arlington since 1986, sent her children to local schools, which she was “real happy with.” 

Voting “lets you have a say in what’s going on,” she said. “When you don’t show up, don’t cry, because that’s your opportunity.”

The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas.

The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, Judy and Jim Gibbs, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Ron and Phyllis Steinhart, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks, and the University of Texas at Dallas. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.