The Flour Bluff Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees has officially called for a bond election scheduled for May 3. This election will present voters with three propositions totaling over $193 million, aiming to modernize facilities, enhance outdoor learning environments, and upgrade Flour Bluff High School’s Hornet Stadium.
Each proposition will be voted on separately, allowing residents to approve or reject any or all of the proposed measures. If all three propositions pass, the district’s interest and sinking (I&S) property tax rate is expected to increase by approximately $0.181 per $100 of assessed property value.
How the Bond Proposal Came to Be
On Thursday evening, the Flour Bluff ISD board unanimously voted to proceed with the bond election. According to a district Facebook post, the bond recommendation was developed collaboratively with district leadership, community members, and staff.
A community advisory committee of over 100 members held six meetings over four months to assess the district’s needs. The school board unanimously approved their final recommendation.
“This bond is our opportunity to give these kids what they deserve, to give this staff and faculty what they deserve,” said board member David Gerlach during the meeting.
Breakdown of the Propositions
Proposition A: General Facilities and Safety Enhancements ($110.8 Million)
This proposition focuses on modernizing campus infrastructure, upgrading safety measures, and improving essential school facilities. Key allocations include:
- $52.6 million for campus renovations
- HVAC upgrades
- Technology infrastructure improvements
- Replacement of aging school buses
- Expansion of the high school cafeteria
- Playground and physical education enhancements
- Traffic flow improvements
- Auditorium renovations
Proposition B: Outdoor Learning & Career Development ($67.2 Million)
Proposition B aims to expand outdoor education and career development opportunities. Major projects include:
- $49 million for fine arts classrooms, NJROTC expansion, and career & technical education upgrades
- $3.7 million for the district’s outdoor learning center
- Gym and field improvements
Proposition C: Hornet Stadium Upgrades ($15.4 Million)
The third proposition focuses on improving Hornet Stadium, ensuring it meets modern facility standards and the usability needs of students and the community.
Understanding the Tax Impact
Over the past decade, Flour Bluff ISD has reduced its total tax rate by $0.40 per $100 of assessed property value. However, the passage of these propositions would result in an estimated increase for property owners:
- Proposition A: +$0.1037 per $100, or $25.93 per month for a $300,000 home
- Proposition B: +$0.0629 per $100, or $15.37 per month for a $300,000 home
- Proposition C: +$0.0144 per $100, or $3.60 per month for a $300,000 home
If all three propositions are approved, a homeowner with a taxable value of $300,000 would see an estimated annual tax increase of $543.
What’s Next?
As the election approaches, Flour Bluff ISD will continue to educate the community on how these proposed improvements will impact students, staff, and residents. Voters must review the propositions carefully and participate in upcoming town hall meetings.