Did Forney ISD administrators solicit the input of local citizens before developing the bond package?
Yes. In January 2022, a Community Facilities Committee was formed with more than 55 parents, grandparents, teachers, staff, and business and community leaders from across Forney ISD. Their goal was to provide our district with the direction and insight needed to smartly manage our growth to keep our schools from becoming overcrowded.

What research was conducted by the citizens bond committee?
After reviewing financial data, current academic needs, projected student growth and existing campuses, the committee presented a comprehensive bond recommendation to the Board of Trustees that reflects the wishes of our community and its taxpayers. On February 17th, the Forney ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to place a bond referendum on the May ballot.

Was every facility in the school district reviewed during the committee process?
Yes. 100% of the bond package will help manage growth, maintain current schools and impact students in every part of district now – and in the future. It will fund five elementary/early childhoods schools, early childhood expansions and improvements, elementary expansions and improvements, four middle/intermediate schools, intermediate school expansions and improvements, middle school expansions and improvements, a new high school and additional college and career capacity. In addition, it includes districtwide capital improvements, land acquisition for new facilities, a transportation center, and additional Forney Learning Academy space.

How fast is Forney ISD growing?
Forney ISD is one of the fastest growing school districts in Texas. Families are attracted to our district because of our commitment to academic excellence and our award-winning athletic and fine arts programs. Just five years ago, we were home to around 11,000 students. Today, we have close to 15,000 students with 25,000 students expected in five years, and 35,000 students in 10 years. Soon, we will be home to more students than Rockwall ISD, Allen ISD, Mesquite ISD and Frisco ISD.

What is the breakdown of spending in the bond package?
100% of the bond package will go toward managing our fast growth, preparing for current and future students and maintaining existing schools.

How is the bond package dealing with the basic, day-to-day improvements of district assets?
Basic maintenance and repairs will take place on every campus. These could include HVAC, paint, safety and security technology, flooring and capital needs.

What is going to be the tax impact of the bond package on Forney ISD taxpayers?
The bond package will NOT increase the property tax rate for Forney ISD homeowners or businesses. In fact, with passage of the bond referendum, our property tax rate will remain 17¢ lower than it was in 2019 because the bonds will be funded primarily by tax revenue from new homes and business coming to our community.

What will be the impact on senior citizens in the district?
Homeowners 65 years of age and older will see no increase in their tax rate as long as they have filed for their senior citizen homestead exemption.

Why does the state require ballot language to read “This is a property tax increase”?
A new state law requires all school bond referendum propositions to include ballot language that reads, “This is a property tax increase.” Despite the ballot language, passage of the bond package will NOT result in an increase in the property tax rate. Forney ISD has received the highest rating possible by the state for financial transparency and will continue to work for our taxpayers.

Should voters approve the bond package, does the district have policies in place to make sure our tax dollars are spent efficiently?
Yes. Just like we did with the 2019 bond package, our team of financial professionals will keep a close eye on the spending approved by voters. Our best practices approach has helped Forney ISD earn the highest ranking from the state’s Financial Integrity Rating System and achieve an ‘A’ district accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency.

What is the status of the 2019 bond package?
Capital projects from the 2019 bond package will be completed on time and under budget. With our cost efficiency efforts and by refinancing, the district has saved taxpayers millions. Property tax rates were not increased to cover the 2019 bonds.

Upon approval of the bond referendum, is the entire amount issued all at once?
No. The district will only issue bonds to cover the cost of projects at the time they are needed and approved by the School Board.  

Who do we contact if we want more information about the bond referendum?
Forney ISD is committed to transparency. Should you have any questions or would like more information please us call (469) 762-4100.