What is a bond?

A bond is similar to a home mortgage. It is a contract to repay borrowed money with interest over time. Bonds are sold by a school district to competing lenders to raise funds to pay for the costs of construction, renovations and equipment. Most school districts in Texas utilize bonds to finance renovations and new facilities.

What is a bond election?

School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors in order to raise the capital dollars required for projects. These elections help districts keep pace with rising enrollment, maintain aging facilities, and ensure students have access to safe, modern learning environments. Just as an individual agrees to repay a new home loan, voters authorize the district to sell and repay bonds for taking on major capital projects.

How are bond funds used?

Bond funds can be used to pay for new buildings, additions and renovations to existing facilities, land acquisition, technology infrastructure and equipment for new or existing buildings. Bonds cannot be used for salaries or operating costs such as utility bills, supplies, building maintenance, fuel and insurance.

How were projects at Troup Elementary and Troup High School identified?

In the fall of 2024, Troup ISD developed a new Strategic Plan for the district. This process identified our facilities as an area to address. In the spring of 2025, TISD formed a community Facilities Planning Committee to develop a plan that addressed facility conditions. Over the course of 7 months, the committee visited facilities, identified potential solutions, and weighed the impact on students, staff, parents, taxpayers, and other community members. With the cost to taxpayers in mind, they recommended that Troup Elementary and Troup High school be placed on the ballot based on their findings.

Why isn’t Troup Middle School included in the bond proposal?

Through the Facility Planning process, Troup Middle School was a part of the conversation. The projects considered for TMS are less costly than the others and can be paid for from the district’s fund balance.

Can the district use their existing budget to finance the proposed projects?

Our District’s Maintenance and Operations (M&O) budget funds daily expenses such as payroll, supplies, equipment, insurance, and utilities. The M&O budget also covers routine maintenance of our facilities. The Interest and Sinking (I&S) portion of our District’s tax rate generates funds that can only be used to repay bonds authorized by the voters and issued by the District to finance capital projects, such as renovations to address aging facilities and infrastructure, along with safety and security updates. 

What is Troup ISD’s fund balance? 

At this time, Troup ISD’s fund balance is $10,509,484. The district is required to keep 3 months of operating expenses in the account. The district will utilize funds from this account for capital projects identified during the Facility Planning Process and the development of a Long-Term Facility Plan that are not part of the bond proposal.

Has the district considered using money from the fund balance to pay off debt from outstanding bonds passed in 1998 and 2005?

The district has previously refinanced its existing bonds, reducing the cost to the district and taxpayers by $985,429. In addition, the district examined several options related to paying off the existing debt; however, none of the options reviewed would substantially impact the district’s tax rate.

How long will it take to pay back this bond package?

Troup ISD is planning to repay the bonds over a 30-year period - similar to one's home mortgage.

What is the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas and what distinction has Troup ISD earned?

The state's school financial accountability rating system, known as the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), ensures that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices. The system is designed to encourage Texas public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes. Every year for the past ten years, Troup ISD has earned a Superior rating. This is the highest rating a school district can receive.

What is the impact of transfer students on the district?

Troup ISD receives increased funding due to higher student enrollment. Transfer students generate approximately $850,000 of funding for the district. Troup ISD has an application process that requires submission before approval. The district monitors the number of transfers accepted yearly to ensure transfer numbers don’t impact staffing. For grade levels that are at already at capacity, we cannot and do not accept transfers. We have several applications each year, and we allow district employees to bring their children to the district as transfers if they meet the application criteria and are accepted.

How will the proposed bond election affect my taxes?

On the tax information page, there is a calculator that you can use to determine the estimated tax impact if the bond is approved by voters in November.

If I am over 65, are my taxes frozen?

Yes, under state law, taxpayers who qualify for the Age 65 & Older Exemption already have their school district taxes frozen. Your taxes will not increase as long as you live in the home and do not make significant improvements, such as adding a garage or additional living space.

Who is eligible to vote in this election?

Anyone who is registered to vote within Troup ISD boundaries, regardless of which county, is eligible to vote in the bond election. The deadline to register is October 6, 2025.

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