Ysleta ISD latest bond proposal promises lower taxes, bigger projects

Ysleta ISD residents will see their annual taxes go down if the school district’s new bond is passed this November. That’s what Superintendent Dr. Xavier De La Torre explained Wednesday at a special media briefing.

The November bond proposal is about $21 million less than May’s proposal, from $451 million to $430 million. A bond advisory committee made up of about 73 YISD residents decided this time around, they would drop costly projects such as the aquatics and performing arts center.

The bond however is putting more money toward redesigning Eastwood High, which went from $75 million to $93 million. In May the district went with a plan that would add 258,000 square feet and just over two years to build. But the advisory bond committee wanted to add 378,000 square feet, which will take 3.6 years to build.

Both of these changes increase the cost, said De La Torre. The district wants to leave 125,000 square feet as is, but it would demolish some areas, rebuilding a three-story classroom wing, a new athletics area and increased parking. It would also have the infrastructure to provide robust technology and a renovated fine arts center. But because its more square footage, it will take longer to build. The district has to then account for inflation in the final price.

“I honestly expected the figure to be far less than what they came up with,” said De La Torre, “but I think it just validates the importance of so many projects across the district that we really need to address and the sense of urgency. So I’m very proud of the work that they did.”

In May voters rejected De La Torre’s proposal by a small margin, he believes this was due to confusion about how much the bond would increase taxes. He intends to clear that up by election time. Right now YISD’s tax rate is $1.36 per $100 of home valuation. If the bond passes, it would increase to $1.50. That’s an increase of about $66 a year.

But residents would still see their taxes go down. He said for a $100,000 home, Ysleta’s homestead tax credit values it at $80,000. The state then chips in $25,000, meaning a $100,000 home is valued at $55,000. With a $1.50 tax rate and the homestead credit, the half a billion dollar bond will cost the average home $825. Currently resident pay $884 annually.

YISD residents have to apply for the homestead credit and any property owner over 65 will not see any increase in their tax rate.

“I’ve been part of a school district where we passed a bond and we were able to provide the neighboring school district with amazing facilities and I can see the change in the tone of climate when students feel really proud, when teachers feel really proud. I want that for the Ysleta ISD,” De La Torre said.

De La Torre said its important this bond be passed in November because the county elections office already told the district it will not hold another election for YISD next spring. If the bond doesn’t pass in November, De La Torre said rebuilding Eastwood High and other schools would be suspended for some time.

“I’ve been part of a school district where we passed a bond and we were able to provide the neighboring school district with amazing facilities,” De La Torre said. “And I can see the change in the tone of climate when students feel really proud, when teachers feel really proud. I want that for the Ysleta ISD.”