Burnet CISD $135 Million Bond Election: What It Means for Voters in May 2026

Residents of the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) will head to the polls in May 2026 to cast a critical vote on the district’s future. Following a unanimous decision by the Burnet CISD Board of Trustees, a $135 million bond election has been scheduled, asking voters to approve funding for major capital improvements. This comprehensive guide explains the bond proposition, its intended uses, the potential impact on property taxes, and essential information for every registered voter in the district to make an informed decision.

Key Points at a Glance

• Election Date: The bond election will be held on May 1, 2026, coinciding with the general election for local offices.
• Bond Amount: The proposition seeks authorization for $135 million in general obligation bonds.
• Primary Purpose: Funding is earmarked for facility renovations, new construction, technology upgrades, and safety enhancements across the district.
• Tax Impact: Approval will result in a property tax increase to repay the bonds over time. The district will provide specific tax rate projections.
• Committee: A Bond Oversight Committee, composed of community members, will be established to monitor expenditures if the bond passes.
• Voter Requirement: Passage requires a simple majority (over 50%) of votes cast in the election.

Background: Why Burnet CISD is Pursuing a Bond

The Need for Capital Investment

School districts in Texas rely on bonds to fund large-scale, long-term capital projects that cannot be covered by annual maintenance and operations (M&O) budgets, which are primarily funded by state aid and local property taxes for daily expenses like salaries and utilities. The Burnet CISD, serving the city of Burnet and surrounding areas in the Texas Hill Country, has identified significant infrastructure needs through a formal facilities assessment and long-range planning committee.

Like many growing districts in Central Texas, Burnet CISD faces pressure from enrollment growth and the natural aging of its school buildings. Many facilities, some constructed decades ago, require updates to meet modern educational standards, safety codes, and technological expectations. The proposed $135 million bond is the culmination of years of study by the district’s administration and facilities committee, who determined that addressing these needs incrementally through the annual budget would be insufficient and inefficient.

Previous Bond History

To understand the current proposition, it’s helpful to review the district’s recent bond history. Burnet CISD last sought voter approval for a bond package in [Year of last bond, e.g., 2017], which funded [briefly mention past projects, e.g., a new elementary school and stadium renovations]. The successful implementation of that prior bond and the clear accounting of its expenditures have built trust with the community, a factor the current board has considered in moving forward with this new election.

Analysis: A Breakdown of the Proposed $135 Million Bond

The bond proposition on the May ballot is typically presented as a single, all-encompassing proposition for voter simplicity, but the funds are allocated to specific project categories. While the exact project list is finalized in the district’s official bond presentation, such packages generally include:

1. Facility Renovations and Modernization

A significant portion of the bond—often 40-50%—is dedicated to renovating existing schools. This can include replacing outdated HVAC systems, upgrading roofing, improving plumbing, modernizing classroom spaces for collaborative learning, and enhancing ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility. These projects address deferred maintenance and extend the useful life of district assets.

2. New Construction

To accommodate projected enrollment growth and balance district attendance zones, the bond may fund the construction of new classroom wings, a new elementary or middle school, or specialized facilities like a career and technical education (CTE) center. New construction is a capital-intensive use of bond funds but is necessary when existing facilities reach capacity.

3. Technology and Infrastructure

Modern education depends on robust technology. Bond funds can be used for district-wide network upgrades, campus-wide Wi-Fi, student device programs (like 1:1 laptop initiatives), interactive classroom displays, and security camera systems. These are typically one-time capital purchases with a multi-year lifespan.

4. Safety and Security Enhancements

In the current climate, school safety is a paramount concern. Bond projects in this category may include secure main entrances (vestibules), updated fencing, improved lighting for parking lots and walkways, and emergency communication systems. These upgrades are often prioritized by both administrators and parents.

5. Athletic and Fine Arts Facilities

Bonds frequently support improvements to stadiums, auditoriums, gymnasiums, and band halls. This can range from installing new turf on a football field to renovating an aging performing arts center. These projects serve the broader community and are integral to the student experience.

Financial and Legal Framework

The $135 million will be issued as general obligation bonds, which are secured by the full faith and credit of the district and repaid through a dedicated property tax rate increase. The district’s financial advisors will structure the debt over a 20- to 30-year term to manage annual payments. Texas law (Chapter 45 of the Texas Education Code) strictly governs how school districts can issue bonds, requiring voter authorization and imposing limits on bond amounts relative to the district’s assessed property value (the “bond guarantee” test). The Burnet CISD’s proposed amount is well within legal limits.

Tax Impact Analysis: The most concrete piece of information voters need is the estimated tax rate increase. The district’s financial advisor will calculate the projected impact per $100,000 of home valuation. For example, a common phrasing might be: “Approval of the bond is expected to increase the district’s property tax rate by approximately $0.15 per $100 valuation, meaning a homeowner with a $300,000 home would see an annual increase of about $45.” Voters must refer to the official district bond presentation for the precise, certified estimate, as this is a verifiable figure required by law to be disclosed.

Practical Advice for Voters in Burnet CISD

How to Determine if You Can Vote

You are eligible to vote in this Burnet CISD bond election if you are a registered voter and reside within the geographical boundaries of the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District. Your school district residency may differ from your city or county. You can verify your district on the Burnet CISD website or through the Texas Secretary of State’s Voter Registration Tool.

Key Dates to Remember (for May 2026 Election)

• Voter Registration Deadline: Typically 30 days before the election. For May 1, 2026, the deadline will be around March 31, 2026. Check the Texas Secretary of State website for the exact date.
• Early Voting Period: Begins on the 17th day before the election and ends 4 days before. For a May 1st election, this is roughly April 14 – April 27, 2026. Early voting locations will be announced by the Burnet County Election Administrator.
• Election Day: Tuesday, May 1, 2026. Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Mail-in Ballot Application Deadline: The request must be received by the early voting clerk no later than the 11th day before the election, which would be around April 20, 2026.

Where to Find Authoritative Information

Do not rely on social media rumors or secondhand information. Access official, non-partisan sources:

• Burnet CISD Bond Website: The district is required to create a dedicated page (often bond.burnetcisd.net) with the final bond proposition language, detailed project lists, cost estimates, and the certified tax impact statement.
• Bond Information Presentation: Attend a scheduled Board of Trustees meeting or a community bond forum. These are the best opportunities to ask questions directly of the superintendent and financial advisors.
• Sample Ballot: Once the election is ordered, the Burnet County Election Office will publish a sample ballot showing the exact wording of the bond proposition as it will appear.

Questions You Should Ask

As you review the information, seek answers to:

• What is the exact project list and is it prioritized?
• What is the verified, certified tax rate increase per $100 of valuation?
• What is the total repayment cost (principal + interest) over the life of the bonds?
• What safeguards are in place (e.g., independent audits, Bond Oversight Committee) to ensure funds are spent as promised?
• What are the consequences if the bond does not pass? Which projects would be delayed or cancelled?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly is a school bond?

A school bond is a form of long-term debt that a school district issues to raise capital for major projects like building new schools, renovating existing ones, buying buses, or upgrading technology. Voters must approve the bond issuance, and the debt is repaid over many years (usually 20-30 years) through a dedicated property tax increase.

Will this bond increase my property taxes?

Yes, if the bond passes, your property tax bill will increase. The increase is tied to the bond’s debt service. The district provides a specific estimate (e.g., “$X per $100,000 home value”). This is a new tax on top of your existing M&O tax rate. The increase remains for the life of the bond.

Can bond money be used for teacher salaries or daily operating costs?

No. Texas law strictly prohibits using bond proceeds for operating expenses like salaries, utilities, or routine maintenance. Bond funds are legally restricted to capital expenditures—items with a useful life of more than one year, such as buildings, land, and equipment.

What happens if the bond doesn’t pass?

If voters reject the proposition, the district cannot sell the bonds and cannot undertake the proposed projects. The district would then need to explore alternative, likely less comprehensive,