FAQ

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.

Working with the Board of Trustees, teachers, and administrators from across the district, the facilities planning committee developed a list of items to consider for inclusion in a bond package. The District has been evaluating current facilities and equipment, ongoing enrollment, growth, and other district priorities with the Board of Trustees.

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. 

No, bond funds cannot be used for teacher salaries.

The projects included in this bond were identified through meetings of the district’s Facilities Committee in both 2022 and 2025. Teachers served as active members of these committees, helping to shape the priorities. This bond addresses the remaining academic and program needs that were identified but not included in the 2022 bond. While no plan can capture every preference, this proposal fully meets the instructional and space opportunities required for continued growth and academic improvement.

Modern, functional facilities send a message that Baird ISD values its staff and students. Updated classrooms, science labs, and athletic spaces improve working conditions and create an environment that teachers and coaches are proud to be part of. The bond also provides space for future growth, reduces overcrowding, and ensures teachers have the tools they need to deliver high-quality instruction. By investing in our campuses, we invest in the people who make student success possible.

The homes will be available to teachers employed by Baird ISD. They will be rented at a reasonable rate to help attract and retain quality educators. Housing will generally be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on availability and suitability. For example, a larger family unit would be matched to a home designed for families, while smaller units would accommodate single teachers.

The district is planning for approximately 10 to 15 housing units of varying sizes. The final number will depend on construction costs and available funding. Baird ISD intends to partner with a local builder to ensure the homes are high-quality, durable, and cost-effective.
Leases would be for one year and would align with the academic calendar. This allows the district to review housing availability annually and ensure that homes continue to serve the current Baird ISD teachers and staff.

The bond proposal includes funding to build new homes, not to remodel existing properties. These new units will be designed specifically for teacher housing and built to modern standards for efficiency and long-term durability.