Anderson PTSAAnderson High School, Austin Texas

Early voting for the school bond election takes place from April 28 – May 6 at locations near our neighborhood including the Ben Hur Shriners Hall, 7811 Rockwood Lane, just north of Anderson Lane, and the Randalls at Braker and Research.  Both locations will be open from M – Sat, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sun, noon – 6 p.m. for early voting.  For further early voting sites, visit www.co.travis.tx.us/county_clerk/election/.

School Bond Election FAQs

Why is a bond election needed at this time?

-To provide new schools and classroom additions to relieve overcrowding at schools at 125%+ capacity

-To meet new legislative and health code requirements

-To fund critical renovation projects

-To protect the taxpayers’ investment in district campuses and facilities

-To sustain AISD’s commitment to environmental stewardship by renovating AC and heating units and by purchasing low-emission fuel and plug-in hybrid buses

-To fund technology to ensure equity throughout the district

-To provide a district-wide Performing Arts Center

What is the total dollar amount for the three bond proposals?

$343.7 million

How will this affect property taxes?

The District Interest and Sinking (debt retirement) tax rate would increase a maximum of 1.7 cents.  For each $100,000 of home value, the tax increase for a homeowner would be $1.41 per month, or $17 a year.  For a home valued at $300,000, the yearly cost would be $4.23 per month, or $51 a year. 

Will homeowners 65 and older be impacted?

No, because the amount of property tax that these individuals must pay may never exceed what they paid in the year they turned 65. 

What is the implementation schedule for projects?

The program will be implemented over a four-year period, beginning May 2008.

How does AISD fund ongoing maintenance and renovation projects?

In the recent budget cycle, AISD allocated $9.1 million per year for routine renovation and maintenance needs.  However, this allocation is inadequate and cannot meet the district’s annual renovation and maintenance needs for its 100+ campuses and facilities.  AISD’s status as a Chapter 41 district severely limits its maintenance and operations (M&O) budget. 

Many thanks to members of the Anderson High School Theater Booster Club and Anderson High School Tennis Booster Club for formally endorsing this bond package at recent meetings.

Specific questions may be addressed to Julie Cowan at Jscowan@aol.com. 

www.voteyesforaustinschools.org

www.austinisd.org