Rosebud-Lott ISD calls $25 million November bond election to address facility improvements

At a special board meeting on Aug. 12, the Rosebud-Lott ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to place a $25 million bond election on the Nov. 5 ballot. 

Registered voters will be asked to consider propositions that address facility improvements; thereby, alleviating pressure on the district’s operating budget. 

Rosebud-Lott ISD does not anticipate an increase in the property tax rate due to the bond referendum. It is important to understand that state law requires all school district bond referendum ballots to be printed with “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE,” even if the tax rate is unchanged. 

“Although our high school and middle school are structurally sound and over the last three years have received some minor updates, they were built in 1971 and have not seen significant updates in 30 years,” said Dr. Jim Rosebrock, RLISD Superintendent of Schools. “Over time, our program offerings have expanded significantly, and we now lack the space needed to adequately serve our students.” 

Along with providing additional instructional spaces, if approved the bond will allow for updates to interior finishes, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, roofing, and other systems, many of which have exceeded their life expectancies. 

Since the high school opened in 1971, new programs have been introduced, including career tech offerings such as P-TECH welding, cybersecurity, and robotics, along with dual credit courses that enable students to earn associate degrees by the time they graduate from Temple College and Texas State Technical College. These dual credit courses are currently held in the high school/middle school library, limiting student experiences and restricting library access for the rest of the student body. 

“We will provide more details in the weeks leading up to early voting and Election Day. It’s important that our voters have the information they need to make informed decisions,” Rosebrock said. 

During the meeting, the district emphasized the importance of the community considering the bond now. “While the solar farms in our community have been a topic of debate, they present a unique opportunity that could significantly benefit our schools and taxpayers,” Dr. Rosebrock noted. If the bond is approved, these solar farms would cover 64% ($16 million) of the total bond program, reducing the financial burden on taxpayers. Without a bond in place, the district would not be able to fully capitalize on having solar farms on the tax roll. 

The Board of Trustees reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the highest quality of student experiences and learning opportunities in the district. The seven members collectively pledged to engage with all stakeholders about the proposed projects and explain how the district can fund these bonds without increasing the tax rate on property owners. 

Rosebud-Lott ISD residents will have the opportunity to vote on the bond proposition during Early Voting from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1, and on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. 

In Texas, the state does not fund projects such as campus renovations and additions. School districts must seek voter approval to secure funding for significant maintenance and construction projects like those included in this bond proposition. 

A planning committee comprising 30 community members and staff identified the district’s most urgent needs. Based on the committee’s recommendations, the Rosebud-Lott ISD Board of Trustees called for the November bond election. 

The proposed bond projects include: 

● Adding college and career tech programs at the high school 

● Expanding health, science, and wellness spaces at the high school 

● Adding a covered playground and 100 parking spaces at the elementary school 

● Paying off remaining debt on the elementary school 

Renovations to the Middle School and High School: 

● Replacing and installing new flooring and ceilings 

● Upgrading old air conditioning and heating units 

● Expanding the cafeteria by 720 square feet to meet current code and space needs 

● Improving the high school kitchen, including backup generators for freezers 

● Installing new water fountains 

● Removing and replacing the track 

● Replacing gas heaters in the middle and high school gyms, agriculture shop, and bus barn 

● Bringing electrical outlets up to code in middle and high school classrooms 

● Adding fencing around outdoor facilities, including the track, per state mandate