FAQ – 2022 Bond – Rockport-Fulton Independent School District

What is a school bond election?

A bond election is a vehicle to raise funds to build and maintain school facilities and associated infrastructure. A successful bond election grants school leaders permission to sell bonds to investors, which generates the funding for construction. Investors are paid interest over the life of the investment.

Public schools rely on the support of local taxpayers to fund the operations and facilities of the school district.

Similar to homeowners borrowing money in the form of a mortgage, a school district borrows to finance the design, construction, expansion, and renovations of schools and facilities.

Voters must approve these funds through a bond election.

What are M&O and I&S Tax Rates and how do they differ?

What is the district's current tax rate and how will the bond impact my taxes?

How do our taxes compare to surrounding districts?

What is the district’s current fiscal health and bond status?

ACISD has achieved the highest rating on the Financial Integrity Rating System (FIRST) for five consecutive years. The rating system is designed to ensure that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices. A Superior rating ensures that the district’s financial resources management is first class with the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes.

When was the last bond referendum? How were those bond funds expended?

The last referendum passed was in 2011. The bond referendum totaled $26,800,000 and provided funds to remodel and add additional classroom space to the Live Oak Learning Center, the Fulton Learning Center and a science wing to the high school. Rockport-Fulton High School was able to add the Commons (Cafeteria) and a Library with the passage of the 1998 Bond totaling $14,700,000.

What is the physical status of our high school?

The physical condition and educational adequacy of the district’s facilities has been evaluated, and a summary of the findings is included in the figure. There are a number of buildings within the high school complex that are in poor condition.

Summary of Facility Condition Findings
Building Name	Age	Rating
Gym - Gold	1+	Good
Gym - Competition	3+	Good
Martha Luigi Auditorium	41+	Good
Classrooms - Science	10+	Good
Commons - Cafeteria	20+	Fair
CTE - Welding Classrooms	17+	Fair
CTE - Culinary Wing	44+	Fair
Classrooms - East Hall B	52+	Fair
Field House	45+	Fair
Classrooms - Math & English	60+	Poor
Classrooms - East Hall A, C, D	60+	Poor
Classrooms - Special Education	46+	Poor
Band Hall / Choir / Art / ISS Area	60+	Poor
Gym - Green & Locker Rooms	67+	Poor
Gym - Echo / Girls Weight Room	56+	Poor
Athletic Training Room	46+	Poor

Which is better…to build or to renovate? Can existing schools be reconfigured to create more space?

Any future facility planning will include a blend of new construction and renovations of existing facilities. In some instances, current facilities are limited in renovation options due to outdated building materials and current code requirements.

What is included in the Aransas County ISD 2022 Bond proposal?

The Bond 2022 proposal includes:

Rockport-Fulton High School 48.6M

75,000 square-foot Classroom Additions including Fine Arts
15,000 square-foot Locker Rooms/Training Room/Classrooms
Baseball/Softball/Tennis complex improvements (lighting, restrooms, concessions & seating)
Traffic & Parking Improvements

Fulton Learning Center 14.1M

23,000 square-foot Classroom (9) Addition including Gym
5,200 square-foot Expanded Kitchen
Outdoor Learning Allowance

Rockport-Fulton Middle School 1M+

3,000 square-foot Major Renovation: Infill Courtyard & expand Library

Priority Maintenance for all campus buildings 2.3M+

Playground Access Improvement
HVAC Upgrades/ Replacements/ System Testing & Balancing
Mechanical Controls Upgrades; Access Control Systems Upgrades
New/Additional Security Cameras and Updates
Exterior Wall Repairs

When is the Aransas County ISD Bond Election?

The bond election has been called for Saturday, May 7, 2022. Taxpayers may vote during the following times:

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THUR	FRI	SAT
April 24	April 25	April 26	April 27	April 28	April 29	April 30
POLLS CLOSED	8 AM to 5 PM	8 AM to 5 PM	8 AM to 5 PM	8 AM to 5 PM	8 AM to 5 PM	POLLS CLOSED

SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THUR	FRI	SAT
May 1	May 2	May 3	May 4	May 5	May 6	May 7
POLLS CLOSED	7 AM to 7 PM	7 AM to 7 PM	POLLS CLOSED	POLLS CLOSED	POLLS CLOSED	ELECTION DAY
POLLS CLOSED	7 AM to 7 PM	7 AM to 7 PM	POLLS CLOSED	POLLS CLOSED	POLLS CLOSED	7 AM to 7 PM

Who is qualified to vote in the Aransas County ISD Bond Election?

All registered voters within the boundaries of ACISD are eligible to vote. Register to vote by Apr 7, 2022. To register online, go to www.votetexas.gov.

Are Senior Citizens exempt from any taxes? I’m 65, will this affect my taxes?

By state law, Aransas County ISD property taxes on homesteads for citizens age 65 or older would not be affected by the bond election as long as the appropriate exemption applications have been filed with the local appraisal district. Anyone who needs more information about the exemption should call the Aransas County Appraisal District at 361.729.9733 and ask for the Exemption Department or go to the appraisal district’s website at www.aransascad.org.

When will the projects be completed?

Students could move into new classrooms within two to three years of the passage of the 2022 bond.

Where will students be during the construction process?

Students will be housed on the current campuses during the construction process.

Can ACISD employees attend bond rallies outside of their scheduled workday?

Yes, this is an acceptable way for employees to express their support or opposition to the bond.

Can ACISD employees endorse the bond outside of their scheduled workday?

Yes, District employees may endorse or oppose the bond outside of their scheduled workday.

How can a district stakeholder (parent/family members/taxpayer/student) provide feedback?

Stakeholder feedback and questions can be submitted here.

Need more information about the Bond 2022?

Visit ACISD.org/Bond/ for more details. If you’d like to schedule an informative bond presentation for your group/organization, please call the ACISD Communications Office at 361.790.2212. You may also email [email protected] and questions will be answered promptly.