CFBISD Trustees Call May Bond Election to Address Safety, Aging Schools, and Infrastructure Proposed Bond Amount Will Not Require a Tax Rate Increase

Carrollton, Texas - At the February 2 school board meeting, CFBISD trustees voted unanimously to call a bond election that will be on the May 6 ballot. Registered voters residing within the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD boundaries will be asked to consider a $716.4 million referendum that would generate funding for state-mandated safety and security updates, replacement schools for three of the district’s oldest elementary schools, renovations to special education classrooms and support spaces, updates for early childhood education, and more. 

The CFBISD total tax rate is the lowest it’s been in 31 years, and the tax rate will not increase as a result of the 2023 bond. 

“We are so grateful for all of the citizens who spent so much time and dedication working to develop recommendations to update and safeguard our facilities,” said Dr. Les Black, president of the Board of Trustees.

CFBISD community members took a deep dive into the aging conditions, district finances, and toured several schools to help develop and prioritize the list of projects that are included in the 2023 bond. 

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it means so much that our residents worked together on a facility plan that is fiscally sound and will update educational and support spaces across our school district. It’s our hope that residents will take the time to learn more about the committee’s work, the projects proposed, our tax rates, ballot language, and ask questions before casting their vote in this election.”

Projects are grouped into four main categories:

• Safety and Security
  $37,700,000 – 5% of total proposal
  • Door Locks
  • Access Control
  • Cameras
  • Perimeter Fencing
  • Impact Film
• Student Support Facilities
  $130,000,000 – 18% of total proposal
  • Special Education Renovations
  • Early Childhood Classroom Updates
  • Outdoor Learning Center Renovations
  • CTE Classroom Renovations
  • Fine Arts Renovations
  • Gym Updates
• Replacement Schools
  $199,550,000 – 28% of total proposal
  • Carrollton ES: 72 years old
  • Central ES: 58 years old
  • Farmers Branch: 58 years old
  • Construct a new, combined campus for Mary Grimes Education Center and Bea Salazar Learning Center
• Renovations and Updates
  $349,190,000 – 49% of total proposal
  • New Fiber & Critical Technology Infrastructure
  • Roofing
  • Flooring
  • HVAC Units
  • Restroom Updates
  • Library Renovations
  • Cafeteria Updates

If approved, all CFBISD campuses will receive safety and security updates, and all students and staff will benefit from updated technology infrastructure that is critical to the district’s operations. Additional renovations and updates are planned throughout the district based on age, condition, and lifecycle replacement needs. To see what’s proposed for your local campus, visit cfbisd.edu/bond2023.

Any CFBISD resident who is registered to vote may cast a ballot in this election. Voters will be asked to vote “for” or “against” the bond measure. In accordance with state law, all Texas school bond ballots now must include this language: “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.” The current debt portion of the CFBISD tax rate is $0.20 per $100 of property value, and the rate will remain at $0.20 following the election.  

During Early Voting, April 24 – May 2, Dallas County and Denton County voters may vote at any Vote Center in the county where they live.

On Election Day, Saturday, May 6, Dallas County voters may vote at any Dallas County Vote Center. Denton County voters must vote at their precinct voting location on Election Day.

CFBISD officials have scheduled two informational town hall meetings to share details and answer questions. These community meetings are open to anyone who lives or works in CFBISD. The meeting dates are:

• March 7, 2023, at 6 p.m. - CFBISD Educational Services Division Complex (ESDC) "Texas Room" located at 1820 Pearl St., Building B, in Carrollton
• April 4, 2023, at 6 p.m. - Nancy Watten Technology and Event Center located at 455 E. La Villita Blvd. in Irving

Residents are also encouraged to visit cfbisd.edu/bond2023 for more information. To view a list of what is proposed for your school, please visit the Bond Project List by Campus webpage.