As members of Vote Yes for Midlothian ISD, we believe the 2025 bond proposal is about much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about preparing our students for the future, protecting taxpayers’ investments in our schools, and ensuring Midlothian continues to be a community where families want to live and thrive. The 2025 Midlothian ISD bond proposal on the Nov. 4 ballot does exactly that. With any potential investment of our taxpayer dollars comes many questions, and we hope to provide some clarity on what is exactly up for consideration.
How are our schools funded?
Texas school districts operate under a split property tax system. The Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Tax funds day-to-day operations like teacher salaries, utilities, and instructional supplies. The other side of the system is the Interest & Sinking (I&S) Tax. This is the portion of the tax rate (currently $0.41 in Midlothian ISD) dedicated to debt service on bonds for capital improvements. The I&S portion is where the 2025 bond election is focused.
Why bonds?
Without bonds, there is no mechanism to access I&S funds for projects like the propositions on the upcoming ballot. Texas law also requires that bonds can only be used for capital projects such as school construction — not for regular M&O expenses. Bonds are designed to be the most practical way to fund major improvements while keeping classroom operations intact and avoiding sudden tax increases.
However, school districts can’t just take out a mortgage or borrow money like a family would to build a new house. By law, the only way they can borrow money for major projects is through bonds — and bonds must be approved by the voters. That’s why this election is necessary.
Why is this important?
The 2025 Midlothian ISD bond proposal strengthens our communities while protecting taxpayers. On August 12, 2025, Midlothian ISD’s Board of Trustees (Ryan Timm, Gary Vineyard, Jessica Ward, Richard Pena, John Knight, Tami Tobey, and Ed Harrison) voted unanimously for an election to authorize $389 million in bonds—strategically structured across three propositions. These projects are interlinked, designed to meet the needs of students, families, and job creators alike.
Why now?
2025 is unique. Since 2016, no new bonds have been approved for the district, potentially delaying critical maintenance and upgrades, even as MISD’s student population has grown from approximately 8,000 to nearly 12,000. This rapid growth reflects the district’s strong appeal to families and the broader county’s status as a top destination for raising children.
To responsibly manage this growth, Midlothian ISD is in a pivotal time where our community must invest in facilities and expand educational programs that prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. The District has taken this responsibility seriously, providing transparency through in-person workshops, campus tours, and online resources. Voters are encouraged to learn more at midlothianisd.org/bond2025.
What’s included?
In 2023, a bond package was presented to the community but did not receive the majority support needed to move forward. The feedback from voters during that election was heard and carefully considered. District leadership, trustees, and the Facilities Planning Committee took that input to heart in evaluating the current state of MISD facilities and shaping a new proposal for the upcoming Nov. 4 election.
The 2025 bond is smaller, leaner, and focused only on the most critical needs. To ensure broad community involvement, MISD convened a Facilities Planning Committee of 80 diverse members—including business owners, long-time residents, and new families. Over three months, the committee conducted campus tours, reviewed demographic and financial data, and consulted with construction and bond experts.
The result is a balanced package of projects that reflects both fiscal responsibility and community priorities. While no one received everything on their wish list, consensus was achieved on what matters most: ensuring students have the facilities they need to succeed now and into the future.
The propositions:
Proposition A – Growth & Existing Schools ($226,455,000)
- New Elementary School #9
- Capital improvements & renovations at Midlothian High School and Frank Seale Middle School
- Restroom updates and elevator replacement at Longbranch, Mt. Peak, and Vitovsky Elementary Schools
- Broad capital improvements across 17 facilities (HVAC, roofing, flooring, lighting, paving, painting)
- Transportation facility addition and renovation
- Agricultural facility renovation and expansion
- Technology infrastructure (safety/security, reliability, speed, connectivity, classroom instruction)
- Buses to continue the district’s replacement cycle
- Land acquisition for future school sites
Proposition B – Career & Technical Education Center ($157,165,000)
- Construct Phase 1 of a new CTE Center to expand programs like culinary arts, cybersecurity, engineering, entrepreneurship, health science, law, and digital design
- Allow room for future expansion and additional pathways such as architecture & construction, automotive, and logistics
Proposition C – Technology Devices ($5,600,000)
- Continue the replacement cycle for student and teacher devices (laptops, tablets, portable smart boards) as current ones reach end-of-life
- Add new devices to keep up with growing enrollment
Taxpayer impact
One of the most common questions about any bond is: How will it affect my taxes? For Midlothian residents, the answer is clear — this bond does not increase the tax rate. MISD’s Interest & Sinking (I&S) rate will remain at $0.41 — the lowest it has been in nine years. At the same time, the district has lowered its overall tax rate each of the past five years, reflecting a consistent record of fiscal responsibility.
Over the last decade, MISD has also saved taxpayers more than $127 million through refinances and early payoffs. This strong financial management ensures that new bonds fit within the existing budget framework and are managed with taxpayer interests in mind.
In addition, Midlothian homeowners receive an extra 10% local homestead exemption beyond the state minimum, which helps reduce the taxable value of homes and saves the average homeowner about $500 annually.
This November, Texans will also vote on Proposition 13, which would increase the statewide homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, and Proposition 11, which would raise the exemption for “elderly or disabled” homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000. These measures will provide additional tax relief if approved.
It’s true that when you go to the polls, the ballot language will say “This is a property tax increase.” That line is required by state law on every school bond election, regardless of the actual tax impact. What it really means is that the district is asking for permission to take on new debt for construction projects — and to repay it gradually over time. Much like a family financing a house, bonds allow the district to spread payments out over many years in a way that fits within the existing budget. MISD has carefully structured this bond so those payments stay within the current $0.41 I&S tax rate. In short: while the ballot must use the phrase ‘tax increase,’ the bond will not raise the MISD tax rate and will not negatively affect the district’s overall finances.
The important question to ask ourselves is if this is the appropriate time to wisely invest our tax dollars into the propositions outlined above and support the growing facility needs. The answer is yes. Now is the time and delaying would cost more. Construction costs can increase by as much as 10% each year. That means postponing $200 million in projects could cost taxpayers $20 million for every year of delay. Passing the bond now will save taxpayers money in the long run.
Conclusion
This bond is about more than new buildings. It is about strengthening one of the largest school districts in Ellis County while keeping our values strong. It reflects the principles of fiscal responsibility, local decision-making, and community investment. By preparing the next generation of workers through career and technical training, maintaining facilities that taxpayers have already invested in, and ensuring our schools remain safe and competitive, we are building on the foundation of strong families and a thriving economy.
Supporting this bond means supporting a stronger Midlothian — a place where families choose to live, businesses choose to grow, and our shared values continue to shape the future.
For full project details, visit midlothianisd.org/bond2025 and midlothianstrong.com .
Sincerely,
Vote Yes for Midlothian ISD
