On May 6, 2023, voters went to the polls regarding several district school bond propositions. There were 219 propositions from 122 school districts with a total of $24.71 billion voted on across the state.
Overall results show very positive support for the public-school propositions.
- Of the 219 propositions, 172 (78.5%) were approved by voters.
- The total dollars approved were $21.49 billion, or 87.00% of the total requested.
- 27 of the top 30 propositions by dollar amount requested were all approved by voters totaling $15.99 billion.
- Total votes cast in the state were 361,361 (58.6%) for and 255,226 (41.4%) against the propositions.
- Top 5 approved bond packages by district.
- Northwest ISD – $1,995,500,000
- Denton ISD – $1,418,481,928
- Garland ISD – $1,279,645,000
- Ft Bend ISD – $1,236,960,000
- Crowley ISD – $1,043,646,702
- Of the 47 propositions that were defeated, 31 included school building, athletic facility, and stadium as part of the proposed description on the proposition.
In speaking with Dr. Greg Smith, Executive Director of the Fast Growth School Coalition, he shared the following, “May 6, 2023 may have been the biggest bond election day in the history of Texas. In a legislative session that earmarked Parent Rights, our public school parents reaffirmed their faith in public education in Texas, particularly in fast-growth districts across the state with over 87% of the bond funds requested being approved.”
Over 98.4 percent of school district debt outstanding is voter approved. The proceeds from voter approved debt can be used for school capital projects such as buildings, renovations, technology, athletic facilities, school transportation, and performing arts, or to refund M&O debt. All information can be found at the Texas Bond Review Board Data Center (Home – Texas BRB Data Center).
Click here to download a detailed overview of the recent bond elections: Texas Local Government Bond Elections 05.06.23