LUBBOCK, TX — Early voting for the Lubbock ISD 2025 Bond begins today, April 22, giving residents in the district the chance to weigh in on the proposed $290 million school bond ahead of the May 3 election. Early voting runs through next Tuesday, April 29.
The $290 million bond proposal was created by the Future Focus Committee, a group made up of community members, parents, educators, and district leaders.
The bond is broken down into several parts. About $151 million would go toward building the new schools and other efficiency upgrades. Another $75 million would be used for major repairs, such as fixing roofs and HVAC systems. Around $47 million would help update science labs and fine arts spaces in middle schools, and expand programs like Culinary Arts, Health Professions, and Welding. The final $17 million is set aside for safety and security improvements, like new door systems, fencing, and fire alarms.
Lubbock ISD officials say the bond will not raise the current property tax rate. While voters will see the words “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE” on the ballot — a phrase required by state law — the actual tax rate of 17.5 cents per $100 of property value will stay the same. This is possible because the district has paid off older debt and can issue new bonds without increasing the tax rate.
Voters will see the words “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE” on the ballot. This is a phrase required by state law and will not raise the current tax rate under current law.
(Lubbock ISD)
The bond proposal includes building three new elementary schools, which will replace six aging campuses that are scheduled to be consolidated (Wollfarth and McWhorter, Bean and Hodges, and Williams and Stewart elementary schools). It also covers updates to school safety, infrastructure repairs, and improvements to academic programs. Since 2010, Lubbock ISD has combined 14 campuses, helping the district save money and bringing changes to classrooms for both teachers and students.
Since 2010, Lubbock ISD has combined 14 campuses, helping the district save money and bringing changes to classrooms for both teachers and students.
(Lubbock ISD)
District leaders say the plan will save money over time by reducing the number of older buildings the district has to maintain. They also say students will benefit from learning in safer, more modernized schools.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Does this bond increase my taxes?
A: No. The bond is structured to keep the tax rate the same under current law.
Q: Why does the ballot say it’s a tax increase? How is that possible?
A: Texas school districts have two main property tax rates:
- Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Tax Rate - Funds daily expenses like salaries, utilities, and school operations
- Interest & Sinking (I&S) Tax Rate - Pays off debt for voter-approved bonds.
Lubbock ISD's current I&S tax rate is structured to allow new bonds to be issued without exceeding the existing rate. Texas law (Prop 13, passed in 2023) prevents school districts from increasing the I&S tax rate without voter approval.
If the bond is approved, the district will issue and repay bonds within the existing tax rate structure. While individual property values can change, the district cannot raise the I&S tax rate beyond its current level unless voters approve a change in the future.
Q: Why is LISD closing schools and building new ones?
A: Many schools are old and expensive to maintain. New schools are more efficient and provide better learning environments.
Q: If the district has a budget problem, why build new schools?
A: Bond money can only be used for buildings and repairs (I&S tax rate), not for salaries or classroom expenses (M&O tax rate).
Q: What happens if the bond does not pass?
A: Repairs will still be needed, but LISD would have to pay for them using limited operational funds, which may affect other programs and services.
Q: Can this bond be used to raise teachers' salaries?
A: No. Bond funds are only for construction and improvements, not for staff salaries.
To view a sample ballot, click here.
Early voting will take place at the following locations from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. starting Tuesday, April 22, through Friday, April 25, and from Monday, April 28, through Tuesday, April 29.
- United at 2703 82nd Street (82nd & Boston Ave)
- United at 8010 Frankford Avenue (82nd & Frankford)
- United at 1701 50th Street (50th & Avenue Q)
- United at 6313 4th Street (4th & Milwaukee)
- United at 2630 Parkway Drive (Parkway Dr & Beech Ave)
- Market Street at 3405 50th Street (50th & Indiana)
- Market Street at 4425 19th Street (19th & Quaker)
- Amigos at 112 N University Avenue (University & Auburn)
Early voting for Lubbock ISD will take place at the following elementary schools from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28, and Tuesday, April 29.
- Rush Elementary School at 4702 15th Street
- Ed Irons Middle School at 5214 79th Street
- Centennial Elementary School at 1301 N Utica Avenue
- Jayne Ann Miller Elementary School at 6705 Joliet Drive
- Joan Y. Ervin Elementary School at 1802 E 28th Street
For more information about the bond, visit www.LubbockISD.org/2025bond.
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: