FAQs | Evant ISD

1. Why is this bond being called? Why now?

The Evant ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call a bond election totaling $9.5 million for November 4, 2025.

This decision came after months of work by our Facility Planning Committee- which determined and prioritized needed improvements and safety updates in the district.

2. How did the district decide which projects to include in the bond?

The Evant ISD Facility Planning Committee—made up of community members, business owners, parents, and district staff—began meeting to study district needs.

Over several months, they reviewed finances, assessed facilities, and analyzed construction and renovation options with estimated costs. Their recommendations shaped the bond projects.

3. Why do school districts need to sell bonds?

School districts in Texas use bonds to finance large capital improvements and purchases such as renovations and new construction as well as transportation, technology, and other equipment.

Bonds are repaid by using the I&S tax rate. The M&O rate is used for salaries and other ongoing expenses. The state dictates both the M&O rate and the amount from that rate Evant ISD receives. Unlike the M&O rate, the I&S tax dollars go directly to Evant ISD.

4. How can bond funds be used?

Bonds can be used for any equipment, transportation, land, or project(s) that has a finite term. It must be used for a specific purpose or item. It cannot be used for salaries or any ongoing operating expenses.

5. How was the district tax rate configured?

6. How could this impact me if I'm over 65?

If you are 65 or older and have a homestead exemption on your primary residence in Evant ISD, your school tax rate will not increase.

7. How was the bond budget calculated? Why was it not built based on competitive bids?

That is not how the school bond process works. The bond process is really a backwards process, due to the sequence of how things are planned, designed, and bid out. If someone wanted to renovate their home, they would design, have the funds, bid it out, and complete the job. With school bond elections, the committee must develop a recommendation with budgets attached 3 months before an election is even held. If a bond passes, that is when designing and engineering begins. Depending on the project, that could take anywhere from 6-10 months. There are some projects that can be done without engineering, but state law requires certain projects to be designed and engineered. Once the design phase is complete, that is when things are bid out competitively to the public, through as many avenues as possible to get the best prices possible. So really, the committee is building budgets for potential projects 10 months in advance.

During the planning process, the district and committee used Gallagher Construction to assist in developing budgets for projects. They are currently managing roughly $4 billion in construction in Texas. They use historical, current, and regional data, paired with future projections, to help build accurate budgets. Their job as a program manager is to ensure that things are delivered on time and within budget, with hopes of delivering under budget, in which the remainder of the funds would not have to be sold, which would be savings for the taxpayer.

8. Why is there consideration for asbestos abatement?

While it is common in some districts to cover up asbestos with flooring, it only works for so long before it can become a concern. Over time, flooring, with heavy use from students, becomes worn down and the smallest amount of damage can potentially expose asbestos fibers that can become airborne. That could lead to potential emergency closures and emergency abatement costs. Emergency abatements are more expensive than a planned one. While leaving it covered can be done, being proactive is what the committee felt like was the best option for the district and students. That ensures that the students and staff will be safe for decades to come. Moreover, the flooring applied in some areas in recent years to cover asbestos has prematurely cracked and separated--a result of the inability to adequately prepare the subsurface prior to installation.

9. What considerations have been made for HVAC systems?

A typical home only needs about 2-5 tons of cooling. (Tons are cooling capacity units.) A school district needs hundreds of tons. The budget is built for 10 units that are over 15 years old to be replaced. There are also ventilation, air quality, energy, and safety codes and regulations tied to HVAC in a public-school building that must be legally followed. Commercial grade HVAC units are designed for maximum efficiency, so new units can end up saving the district money on the operating side by addressing old, inefficient units.

10. Is the Old Gym scheduled for renovations with bond proceeds?

No, the old gym is not being addressed in the bond, but as suggested, there may be some grant money out there in the future to explore the historical renovation process.

11. What plumbing concerns will be addressed with the bond?

The building’s plumbing system is original to the facility and now over 50 years old. The pipes have begun to wear out, causing frequent maintenance needs, and the system is reaching the end of its useful life–increasing the risk of major problems. Maintenance staff are frequently replacing faucets, toilets, and related fixtures. Additionally, the existing restrooms are equipped with residential-grade toilets, and a plumbing upgrade will be required to support installation of commercial auto-flush systems. Furthermore, restroom capacity is limited, with an insufficient number of stalls to serve all students during passing periods.

12. Is the school kitchen included in the bond?

While the kitchen is not included as a major project in the bond budget, the appliances in the kitchen are reaching the end of their usable life and may need to be considered for replacement at some point. If major projects are completed under budget, any remaining funds may be allocated to additional projects or returned to taxpayers.

13. Is furniture replacement included in the bond?

The bond budget does not cover furniture; however, much of the existing furniture in the school is approaching the end of its usable life and frequently requires maintenance. If major projects are completed under budget, any remaining funds may be allocated to additional projects or returned to taxpayers.

14. Can the playground renovation be completed with volunteer support and labor?

No. While certain improvements could be accomplished through volunteer efforts or donations, the replacement and design of playground equipment and surfacing require professional expertise. Proper design and installation are critical to ensure the safety of students using the playground. Recently, Evant ISD was awarded a $25,000 grant to assist with the playground renovation, which will be put towards the project in addition to bond proceeds.

15. Has the district considered a strategic plan to include facilities?

Yes. In December 2024, the EISD Board of Trustees initiated a strategic planning process that is currently ongoing. As part of this process, a new mission and vision were established, with a diverse group of community members and school representatives participating in various committees over the past several months. Facilities were a key focus area, and the action team addressing facility goals became part of the Facility Planning Committee that developed the bond proposal. The finalized strategic plan is expected to be presented to the Board of Trustees within the next month for formal approval.

16. What is included in roofing repair and replacement?

Review of the TASB facility assessment indicates a district-wide need for roof replacements and/or repairs. The main building’s roof was replaced in early 2017 and still has approximately six years remaining on its warranty, which covers manufacturing defects and workmanship. Working with that warranty and constraints therein, repairs are needed to the roof, as there has been significant water damage in recent years. While the maintenance team has addressed many issues temporarily, more comprehensive attention is necessary to ensure the safety and integrity of the building. Several other district roofs, such as those on the daycare, the former band hall, and the ag shop, also require substantial repairs or replacement.

17. How long is the note? Can it be shorter? If so, how does that work?

The terms of the bonds will not be determined until the sale, or issuance, of the bonds. The bond is projected as a 30-year bond. An increase in property values in subsequent years could provide the district with prepayment opportunities, and/or a reduction in interest rates could provide potential refunding (refinancing) opportunities; both of which could generate interest savings and shorten the terms of the debt.

18. Is there an additional freeze cap on those 65+ that own a certain amount of land or higher? If so, what is that?

The state-mandated exemptions (general and 65 and older) are for homesteads only. Tax on qualified agricultural land is levied on its productivity value.