In spite of the pandemic, growth in Bertram has continued with Bertram Elementary expected to exceed student capacity by the 2022-2023 school year, explained Superintendent Keith McBurnett. “It is telling that Liberty Hill ISD, just east of Burnet CISD, is proposing a $491,700,000 May 1 bond election in response to what the Liberty Hill ISD Superintendent describes as staggering growth. That is not Burnet CISD today, but it will be Burnet CISD in the future. By addressing growth proactively today, we can maintain our low tax rate compared to surrounding school districts, and have sufficient facilities to serve our students,” said McBurnett.
The bond also includes projects at every campus to enhance safety, and address infrastructure and learning environment improvements.
The bond will appear as four propositions on the ballot. This is to comply with a new state law that requires school districts to separate propositions for certain projects.
Proposition A - $27,496,000 for facility improvements and accommodations for student growth
Proposition B - $11,805,000 for middle and high school athletic facilities
Proposition C - $4,288,000 for instructional technology, infrastructure, and campus security
Proposition D - $8,915,000 for a multipurpose student activities center
Proposition B - $11,805,000 for middle and high school athletic facilities
Proposition C - $4,288,000 for instructional technology, infrastructure, and campus security
Proposition D - $8,915,000 for a multipurpose student activities center
Under the Texas school finance system, the maintenance and operations portion of a school district’s budget funds day-to-day expenses, such as utilities, teacher salaries, and supplies. It wasn’t designed for new construction and renovation projects. Instead, the interest and sinking portion of the budget funds capital improvement projects.
This fall, BCISD and school districts across Texas are facing the prospect of funding cuts from the state. “By addressing facility projects through bonds rather than using our day-to-day operations budget, we decrease the likelihood of future cuts to personnel, classroom materials, and programs,” McBurnett stated.
Tax Information
If approved by voters, none of the propositions are projected to increase BCISD’s total tax rate. This unique financial situation is due to property valuations across the District as well as the Board of Trustees’ decision to pay off bonds early. The District’s current tax rate of $1.146 is the lowest in District history, and is the second lowest among area school districts. Since 2015, the Board of Trustees has voted to lower the tax rate by a total of 18.4 cents, and is projected to lower the tax rate an additional half-cent this fall.
This fall, BCISD and school districts across Texas are facing the prospect of funding cuts from the state. “By addressing facility projects through bonds rather than using our day-to-day operations budget, we decrease the likelihood of future cuts to personnel, classroom materials, and programs,” McBurnett stated.
Tax Information
If approved by voters, none of the propositions are projected to increase BCISD’s total tax rate. This unique financial situation is due to property valuations across the District as well as the Board of Trustees’ decision to pay off bonds early. The District’s current tax rate of $1.146 is the lowest in District history, and is the second lowest among area school districts. Since 2015, the Board of Trustees has voted to lower the tax rate by a total of 18.4 cents, and is projected to lower the tax rate an additional half-cent this fall.
Voter Information
Full project lists and additional information are available at the Bond 2021 link on the District’s website – www.burnetcisd.net. Early voting begins Monday, April 19. Election Day will be Saturday, May 1.
Full project lists and additional information are available at the Bond 2021 link on the District’s website – www.burnetcisd.net. Early voting begins Monday, April 19. Election Day will be Saturday, May 1.