FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
EARLY VOTING: APRIL 20 - 28
ELECTION DAY: MAY 2
BOND ELECTIONS
What is a bond?
A bond works much like a home mortgage. It allows a school district to borrow money and repay it, with interest, over time. Bonds are sold to investors to generate funds for projects such as construction, renovations, and major equipment purchases. Texas school districts commonly use bonds to pay for new facilities and improvements to existing campuses.
How can bond funds be used?
Bond funds may be used for constructing new buildings, adding to or renovating existing facilities, purchasing land, and acquiring technology infrastructure and equipment tied to facilities. By law, bond funds cannot be used for salaries or day-to-day operating expenses such as utilities, supplies, maintenance, fuel, or insurance.
What is a bond election?
State law requires school districts to receive voter approval before issuing bonds. A bond election gives voters the opportunity to decide whether the district may issue bonds to fund proposed projects, such as building new schools or renovating existing ones. In simple terms, voters are authorizing the district to borrow money and repay it over time, similar to a household mortgage.
PROPOSED PROJECTS
How will the district ensure bond funds are spent as promised?
The district intends to convene a Community Bond Oversight Committee that would serve a liaison between the district and community. This will provide accountability to verify that projects are completed on schedule and on budget. They will help facilitate timely communication with the community about the district’s progress and that the funds are spent in the manner proposed.
Why is building a new high school not part of this bond?
The Long-Range Planning Committee decided that Decatur ISD should remain a one high school district as long as possible while continuing to utilize the existing Decatur High School campus. They also decided that immediate solutions should be considered to address McCarroll Middle School’s existing condition, crowding, cost, and impact to the learning environment.
How was this option for McCarroll chosen?
The recommendation for a new McCarroll Middle School is the result of a community-driven process. The potential solution for the new campus evolved from input from the Bond Planning Committee and feedback from a community-wide survey. If you would like to learn more, please visit Background.
Why construct a new campus instead of renovating or adding an addition to the existing campus?
The Bond Planning Committee concluded that replacement was a more practical approach than renovation, since repair, renovation, or partial replacement of the existing building would cause disruption to teaching and learning. In addition, a new campus is expected to operate more efficiently and reduce ongoing maintenance and operational demands.
What will happen to the existing McCarroll Middle School building?
As part of development and construction, the existing building will be demolished to accommodate the new campus. However, opportunities to honor the heritage and history of McCarroll Middle School, such as incorporating mementos from the old building, will be explored in the design phase of the new building prior to demolition.
How was the capacity for the new McCarroll Middle School determined? With projected growth in the area, will that number accommodate future population increases?
In 2024, the district launched a community committee dedicated to long-range planning. This group considered the student forecasted population, educational programs, operational efficiency, and financial viability to determine the optimal capacity for middle schools in Decatur ISD. The long-range plan also determined that functional capacity would be utilized when determining capacity. The replacement McCarroll Middle School with a functional capacity of 1,000 will have a maximum capacity of 1,175 students. Additionally, the long-range plan acknowledges the use of portables to manage additional growth on a short-term basis. With this in mind, the new building will accommodate the growth currently forecasted for the next eight plus years. The design of the new school will also allow for additions to increase the capacity, giving the district flexibility in the future.
How was traffic taken into account when the bond packaged was developed?
The proposed solution separates parent and bus traffic on each site, as well as divides McCarroll Middle School and Enis Elementary School traffic, allowing arrival and dismissal traffic to operate more efficiently. In addition, a traffic impact analysis will be conducted during the design phase to identify specific design solutions to address traffic on and around the site.
What will happen to the Multipurpose Building?
In order to utilize the facilities that the district already has, the multipurpose building will be divided down the middle and separated internally. An interior wall will be constructed to separate McCarroll Middle School from Enis Elementary School so that students do not mix. The existing cafeteria, stage, and kitchen will become a part of Enis Elementary School, and they will have exclusive access to those areas. Enis Elementary School will be connected to the Multipurpose Building with an enclosed corridor, providing safety to staff and students so that they do not travel outside. The existing multipurpose building gyms and locker rooms will become a part of the new McCarroll Middle School, and a separate cafeteria, stage, and kitchen will be built within the new building.
Will students at McCarroll Middle School and Enis Elementary School be kept separate?
Yes. An interior wall will be constructed in the Multipurpose Building that will permanently separate McCarroll Middle School from Enis Elementary School so that students from each campus do not mix.
How will this plan impact the existing field and tennis courts?
The existing field space and tennis courts, which are also used for physical education classes, will be relocated to align with the new campus layout. The field will be constructed with natural grass, as artificial turf is not included in the bond package.
Is Fine Arts considered in the bond proposal?
Yes, the theatrical equipment will be replaced in the high school auditorium.
How are students utilizing technology in the classroom?
Across the state, students utilize technology as a tool to build real-world skills, access digital resources and curriculum, and develop critical thinking skills. In Decatur ISD, educators are instructed to monitor student behavior when using these tools and utilize technology to enhance learning, when appropriate.
The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) require that students build competencies in Technology Applications with guidance from educators. The five competency areas are: Computational Thinking; Creativity & Innovation; Data Literacy, Management, & Representation; Digital Citizenship; and Practical Technology.
Students are required to take state-mandated tests on school-provided laptops. These tests are timed and scheduled to occur concurrently for all students.
How does the repayment schedule for student technology devices align with their useful life?
Bond payments on instructional devices would be structured so that they are paid off in the first five years.
TAX INFORMATION
What is Decatur ISD’s current tax rate?
Decatur ISD’s current Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate is $0.6631 and its Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rate is $0.2337 for a total tax rate of $0.8968.
How will the 2026 bond affect my taxes?
If both propositions are approved, the maximum estimated tax impact would be an additional 2.2 cents to the current Decatur ISD I&S tax rate. This is approximately $4.77 per month for the average DISD home value of $400,000 with a state homestead exemption. Use the tax impact calculator to see the monthly impact based on your home value.
What if I’m over 65 and receive the “senior citizen exemption” and my home value goes up? Will my school taxes increase?
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 rate 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 tax ceiling is in place on that homestead.
VOTING
Who is eligible to vote in this election?
Any registered voter who lives within the Decatur ISD boundaries, and whose voter registration is based on their current Decatur ISD residence, is eligible to vote in this bond election
When is the deadline to register to vote in this election?
The last day to register to vote is April 2, 2026. Note: If mailing your application, please abide by the recent USPS update to its Domestic Mail Manual effective December 24, 2025. All mail received is postmarked on the date it is processed at a regional facility, not on the date it is dropped in a mailbox or collected.
How can I check to see if I am registered?
Go here to verify your voter registration status.
Why are there two Decatur ISD propositions on the ballot?
According to state law, most technology device purchases or updates are classified as “special purpose” projects. The Election Code requires each of these projects to be presented as its own proposition.
Can I vote on both bond propositions?
Yes. Voters should record their vote in each of the two bond propositions on the ballot.
Have more questions regarding voting, early voting, and Election Day?
If you have questions about registering to vote, checking your registration status, early voting or Election Day, visit the Voting Information page.