FAQ

Questions from the Community

  • Yes, the Cafeteria/Storm Shelter accommodates all students, staff, faculty, and administration for elementary and secondary schools on site.

  • Business owners would not factor in exemptions if they do not qualify for the agriculture or a tax abatement when calculating their tax impact.

    For example, take your assessed taxable value (AV) from the central appraisal district, divide by per one hundred dollars value ($100), and multiply by the project bond tax impact of $0.31 (Rate) to equal annual impact (Tax).

    ( ( AV / $100 ) * Rate ) = Tax

  • The Facility Planning Committee was presented with five different scenarios for addressing aging facilities and engaged in detailed discussions, focusing primarily on Scenarios 2 and 5. Scenario 2 proposed renovations to the existing elementary wing, while Scenario 5 involved constructing an entirely new elementary wing.

    After thorough evaluation, the Committee ultimately recommended Scenario 5 to the Board of Trustees. However, when considering long-term financial planning for Perrin-Whitt CISD, the Board chose to move forward with a modified bond package totaling $28,220,000, which includes substantial elementary renovations rather than new construction.

    Renovating the existing facilities was determined to be much more cost-effective than building new. This approach allows the district to transform older spaces into modern, “like-new” environments retaining the existing structural shell (such as brick exteriors) while completely rebuilding the interior. This strategy allows for the inclusion of additional spaces and educational program additions.

    The lifespan of the renovation is directly tied to the depth of the scope. The lifespan of a renovation is commensurate to the size of the project, the more scope that is renovated the longer its life will be. However, all buildings require ongoing and periodic maintenance.

  • The students programs that will use the New Career & Technical Education (CTE)/Ag Shop & Audio Visual Laboratory are:

    - Agriculture Food & Natural Resources

    - Audio Visual Technology & Communications

    - Law and Public Service

  • The Agriculture Food & Natural Resources (AFNR) program will use the New Career & Technical Education (CTE)/Ag Shop & Audio-Visual Laboratory for instruction in agricultural mechanics, welding, construction, plant and animal science, veterinary practices, and precision agriculture. Students will complete lab-based assignments, operate industry-specific equipment, and document and present Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, as outlined in the AFNR program structure.

  • The Audio/Visual Technology & Communications program will use the New Audio Visual Laboratory for instruction in video production, digital editing, audio engineering, and broadcasting. Students will operate industry-standard equipment such as cameras, lighting, microphones, and editing software to plan, produce, and edit multimedia projects. The space will also be used for recording interviews, creating school or community media content, and developing technical skills.

  • The Law and Public Service program will use the New Career & Technical Education (CTE)/Ag Shop & Audio-Visual Laboratory for scenario-based training, career-focused instruction, and presentations related to law enforcement, criminal justice, and emergency services. Students may use the space to conduct mock trials, practice interview and investigative techniques, analyze case studies, and produce audio-visual materials for public service announcements or legal simulations. The environment supports hands-on learning and aligns with state CTE course requirements for legal studies, public safety, and forensic science.

  • During the proposed elementary renovations, the project will be phased to minimize disruption. Students will be temporarily relocated to available classrooms within the Elementary wing or Administration building during each phase of construction. As new classroom spaces are completed, students will move into those areas, allowing renovation work to begin in the sections they vacate. This phased approach ensures that students remain on-site and learning continues.

  • Click HERE to view Agriculture Tax Impact Chart

  • The concessions and restroom portion of the bond includes the construction of a new building containing restrooms and concessions at the exterior athletic facilities. This project will require extending utilities to the site in order to provide services such as power, water, and sewage. In addition, exterior site paving improvements will be made to create more accessible walking surfaces leading to and surrounding the new structure.

  • After this fiscal year, PWCISD will have one outstanding bond from the 2010 bond election with $530,000 outstanding. The bond will be paid off in the next two fiscal years.

  • Bond money can only be used for the projects authorized by the proposition approved by the voters. However, the District is restricted to the projects authorized by the bond proposition.

  • There will be 8–10 months of design work, with construction planned to begin in Summer/Fall 2026. During the proposed elementary renovations, the project will be phased to minimize disruption. Students will be temporarily relocated to available classrooms within the Elementary wing or Administration building during each phase of construction. As new classroom spaces are completed, students will move into those areas, allowing renovation work to begin in the sections they vacate. This phased approach ensures that students remain on-site and learning continues.

  • Students will walk on a sidewalk that is covered and paved.

  • All Elementary roofs not under warranty will be replaced.

  • It is not yet planned, but there are flexible options on campus for temporary parking. Adjustments will be made to minimize disruptions to students during construction.

  • Yes, it was considered, but it was decided that it is not a priority at this time.

  • This has not been decided yet. 

  • Yes, renovations to the Elementary Wing account for future growth.

  • Yes, the larger cafeteria will allow a more streamlined lunch schedule. 

  • State requirements are limited to having secured buildings and exterior student areas.

  • No, if the district chose pre-design renderings, additional architect fees would be spent without knowing whether or not the projects would take place. The existing site plan depicts a master concept for facility planning and feasibility purposes. Detailed design and site layout will be completed should the bond pass.

  • Yes, those individual staff members will be consulted during the design phase.

  • Yes, funding is available to maintain the additional facility. Renovations will focus on energy efficiency and long-term operational costs.

  • Under state law, bond funds must be used for items listed on the election ballot. In addition, if the bond passes the district will invite community members to join a Bond Oversight Committee. This committee will meet regularly to oversee the construction of the bond projects. In the event that the bond projects come in under budget and there is a surplus of funds, this committee would help the board decide if/how the funds are used. If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact, lsell@pwcisd.net.

General

  • 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 to renovate existing buildings or build a new school. Essentially, it’s permission to take out a loan to build, renovate and pay that loan back over an extended period of time, much like a family takes out a mortgage loan for their home. A school board calls a bond election so voters can decide whether or not they want to pay for proposed facility projects.

  • Recent research by the Environmental Protection Agency suggests that a school’s physical environment can play a major role in academic performance. Leaky roofs and problems with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can trigger a host of health problems – including asthma and allergies – that increase absenteeism and reduce academic performance. Research links key environmental factors to health outcomes and students’ ability to perform.

  • Over the last year and a half, time has been dedicated to data collection, evaluations, and planning to assemble a bond package for the Perrin-Whitt CISD community’s consideration. After evaluating the future of Perrin-Whitt CISD, it was voted unanimously to seek voter approval for a $28,220,000 bond issue.

  • The last Perrin-Whitt CISD Bond was in 2010—15 years ago. Click here to view the bond scope for the May 2010 bond.

  • No. The 2010 bond included an all weather track, and lighting for the current football field. Funding from the 2010 bond was never intended to be used on a football field.

    Click here to view the bond scope for the May 2010 bond.

Taxes

  • A school district’s tax rate is comprised of two components: the Maintenance & Operations tax (M&O) and the Interest & Sinking tax (I&S). The M&O rate is used to operate the school district including salaries, utilities, furniture, supplies, food, gas, etc. The I&S rate is used to pay off school construction bonds. Bond sales only affect the I&S rate.

  • If the voters approve the bond, there will be a $0.25 tax rate impact. For the average home in PWCISD valued at $200,870, that impact would be $21.01 a month.

  • If you qualify for an age 65+ or disabled person residence homestead exemption, the school district taxes on that residence homestead cannot increase as long as you own and live in that home. The tax ceiling is the amount you pay in the year that you qualified for the age 65+ or disabled person exemption. The school district taxes on your residence homestead may go below, but not above, the ceiling amount. 

    You must apply for this exemption.

  • Texas legislature passed laws in 2019 requiring all school bond elections to include the following language on the ballot: “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.” The state mandates all bond ballots to include this language regardless of what individual exemptions each voter may have. The passage or failure of this bond will not impact your school district tax amount if you have an approved homestead exemption.

Questions about the Perrin-Whitt CISD bond?