FAQ and Contact Information

Frequently Asked Bond Questions

Have a question about the Onalaska ISD Bond that is not listed? Contact us at 936-646-1099, or email us at bondelection@onalaskaisd.net

Residents are also encouraged to attend an upcoming informational presentation.

WHAT IS A BOND?

A bond is similar to a home mortgage. It is a contract to repay borrowed money with interest over time. Bonds are sold by a school district to competing lenders to raise funds to pay for the costs of construction, renovations, and equipment. Most school districts in Texas utilize bonds to finance renovations and new facilities.

HOW CAN BOND FUNDS BE USED?

Bond funds can be used to pay for new buildings, additions and renovations to existing facilities, land acquisition, technology infrastructure, transportation costs and vehicles, and equipment for new or existing buildings. Bonds cannot be used for salaries or operating costs such as utility bills, supplies, building maintenance, fuel and insurance. Onalaska ISD’s May 2024 bond proposal includes funds to address growth needs. All funds will be used for the sole purpose of construction Onalaska High School. 

WHY DID THE SCHOOL CALL A BOND ELECTION?

School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors in order to raise the capital dollars required for projects. Essentially, the voters are giving permission for the district to take out a loan and pay that loan back over an extended period of time, much like a family takes out a mortgage or home improvement loan for their home. A school board calls a bond election so voters can decide whether they agree to pay for proposed projects.

WHO CAN VOTE IN THIS ELECTION?

Anyone who is a registered voter and resides in the Onalaska ISD boundaries is eligible to vote in the May 2024 bond election. Check your voter registration status at VoteTexas.gov. 

HOW MUCH IS THE PROPOSED BOND PACKAGE?

The total bond amount for all projects is $42,000,000

WHAT IS THE OVER 65 HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION? HOW DOES IT WORK?

No, according to state law, the dollar amount of school taxes imposed on the residence homestead of a person 65 years of age or older cannot be increased above the amount paid in the first year after the person turned 65 - regardless of changes in tax or property value - unless significant improvements are made to the home. Normal repairs, maintenance and the economic impact of the market cannot increase the amount of taxes you will pay once a ceiling is in place on that homestead. 

There are a couple things to keep in mind:

• This only applies to your homestead; if you have a 100 acre ranch with a one acre homestead, the other 99 acres, which likely receive agricultural exemptions, are not capped from the over-65 exemption 

• If you make improvements to your home after you turn 65 years old those improvements will be reassessed and added to your existing tax ceiling, establishing a new tax dollar ceiling.  This does not mean that your old ceiling is completely removed.  So, if you’re putting in a swimming pool, please be aware of this! 

• The over-65 homestead exemption is only related to your school taxes. If you think your school tax bill has gone up you should check to see if your school taxes have gone up.  It could have been your county or other taxes.

Return to main page for Onalaska ISD Bond Election 2024