Frequently Asked Questions
What is a school bond election?
School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors in order to raise the money required for projects such as building a new school or renovating existing buildings. Voters are giving permission for the District to take out a loan and pay that loan back over an extended period of time, much like a family takes out a mortgage loan for their home.
Who can call a school bond election?
A locally elected school board has the authority to call a bond election so voters can decide whether or not they want to pay for proposed capital projects. School boards then have the authority to sell bonds when the capital projects are needed.
When can a school bond election be held?
School bond elections may only be held in May or November during a general election. GISD Trustees called a November 3, 2026 election so voters could decide whether they will vote For or Against the proposed bond election.
Why do school districts utilize bond elections to raise facility funds?
The public school funding formula in Texas provides funds for the day-to-day operations of school districts. Graham ISD uses approximately 80% of those funds to cover employee salaries and benefits. The remaining approximately 20% is used for instructional supplies, regular maintenance and repairs, utilities, insurance, and other miscellaneous expenditures. Funds are not specifically allocated in the state formula to cover larger maintenance and capital expenditures, so school districts generally use bonds as the primary source of funds to construct, maintain, and upgrade facilities, and purchase capital equipment.
What was the last voter-approved school bond election in Graham ISD?
Graham ISD voters last approved a school bond election for $30 million 19 years ago, in May 2007.
How much is this bond election for?
Proposition A on the November 3 ballot is for $60 million. The majority of the cost, approximately $53 million, would go to construct a new elementary school for all students in grades 1-5. The remaining approximately $7 million would go toward safety, security and accessibility projects at Pioneer Elementary, Graham Junior High School and Graham High School, as well as renovations/equipment for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs such as welding, agriculture and culinary arts, and renovation of spaces for dressing rooms and locker rooms for female students.
Where would the new elementary school be built?
The proposal is to construct a new elementary school for grades 1-5 on the current Woodland Elementary School site. This will prevent students from having to be temporarily relocated during the construction process. Once the new building is near completion in the summer of 2029, the existing Woodland building will be replaced by a new accessible playground, parking and a newly designed parent pick-up and drop-off area to alleviate traffic on Cliff Drive. The new school would replace both Crestview (grades 1-3) and Woodland (grades 4-5).
What happens to Crestview and Woodland campuses as part of this bond?
The district would like to sell the Crestview property to a developer interested in providing more affordable housing in Graham.
Does this bond election involve a tax rate increase?
Financial advisors project that the November bond election for Graham ISD would require a five-cent tax increase to the existing Interest & Sinking rate. This equates to about $3 more for the average GISD taxpayer with a homestead exemption. The district has a history of refinancing and paying debt down early, saving taxpayers millions in interest.
What is the impact for the average Graham ISD taxpayer?
Financial advisors project the November bond election will cost the average GISD residential taxpayer with a homestead exemption less than $3 more each month.
What happens if voters reject the bond proposal?
Graham ISD will not have the funds to complete the priority projects recommended by the Facility Planning Committee.
Who can vote in the November 3, 2026 election?
Residents of Graham ISD who are registered to vote on or before Monday, October 5 may participate in the November 3 election.
When is early voting?
Early voting will be conducted in Young and Stephens Counties from October 19-30. A Graham ISD registered voter can cast a ballot at any early voting location in the county in which they reside.
Where will I vote on election day?
Polls will be open on election day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting is by precinct number in the county in which you live. Soon, both Young and Stephens County Election Offices will post early voting and election day voting locations. Graham ISD will add this information to the district’s Bond 2026 website.