Mansfield voters will decide $777M bond election for schools, largest in district history
The Mansfield school district’s R.L Anderson Stadium is almost 70 years old, and there are 100 buses that need to be replaced.
Renovating stadiums, replacing vehicles, upgrading security and improving arts education are among the projects in a $777 million bond election, the largest in the district’s history. The last bond election was in 2017.
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On May 4, voters will decide on five propositions that address a sweeping wish list, including security, stadium improvements, buying new buses and other needs throughout the district, which encompasses over 94 square miles with 35,722 students. Early voting is April 22 through April 30.
Property owners won’t see a tax rate increase because the school district is paying off debt early, but state law requires that school districts use ballot language stating that “this is a property tax increase.” Districts cannot change the ballot language.
Mansfield’s property current tax rate is $1.1492. The rate for the debt service is 36 cents, and the maintenance and operation portion is $0.9746.
Some parents like Allan Turner, who has children with special needs, questioned why the district isn’t waiting until after November to call the bond election, and why the bond doesn’t provide funds for teacher pay increases.
“My deal is why can’t we wait until after the November election or until the Legislature meets,” he said.
But the district said in an email that school buses, heating and air conditioning and security equipment are “outdated” and need to be replaced. Design and construction also take time, and costs for materials and labor are expected to increase.
As for giving teachers raises, bond funds can’t be used for salaries, and in 2021 the school board approved a 4% midpoint raise for teachers.
What’s on the Mansfield ballot?
Proposition A: $584.5 million
This proposition includes replacing roofing, HVAC, flooring, fire alarms and other equipment throughout the district. Proposition A also includes building a new police station, upgrading cameras and replacing buses. Other projects include renovating choir rooms at Howard, Wester and Worley middle schools, along with adding orchestra space at several others. The money also will go toward career technology education improvements, such as more space for classes and computer labs.
Proposition B: $4 million
Add smart boards in classrooms to replace projectors and install signage for digital communications.
Proposition C: $55.5 million
Stadium renovation projects include new bleachers, press box, locker rooms and concessions at R.L. Anderson and Newsom. It also funds high school practice fields.
Proposition D: $85 million
Fine arts additions and Phase 2 of multi-purpose athletic complexes.
Proposition E: $53 million
This includes Phase 3 for athletic complexes and 50-yard practice fields with end zones at all high schools. The indoor practice fields can be used by other groups such as band, cheer and baseball.