Other than using cash, a bond election is the only way Texas law allows school districts to fund additions, renovations, and new facilities. School districts borrow money in the form of bonds to finance these projects from design through construction. This is similar to homeowners borrowing money in the form of a mortgage to finance a home.

Athens ISD Bond Election: Investing in Our Future

The school board called for a bond election based on recommendations from the Future Ready Facilities Committee — a group of local parents, educators and community members who studied the district’s needs and priorities. The members of that committee are: Chris Tinsley (community member/parent), Heather Berryhill (teacher), Toni Clay (communications coordinator), Destiny Davis (AHS student), Nick Durham (band director), Zac Harrell (athletic director/parent), Tim Howard (teacher), Jane Johnson (community member), Meredith Mahan (community member/parent), Freddie Paul (board member/parent), Erica Rodriguez (teacher/parent), and Blake Williamson (community member/parent).

Why was the bond called?

The Future Ready Facilities Committee identified key areas where facility improvements would support student learning, accommodate growth, and enhance security. Their work included campus assessments, cost evaluations, and prioritization of needs to ensure the best use of resources. As a result of their research, the committee recommended this bond proposal to address:

✅ Updating Current Facilities – Many of AISD’s buildings require renovations to remain fully functional, aesthetically welcoming, and aligned with modern educational needs.

✅ Expanding for Growth – To ensure students have adequate space for learning, the district must plan for potential new construction and facility upgrades.

✅ Strengthening School Security – Enhancing safety measures across all campuses is a top priority.

A Community-Informed Plan

The bond proposal reflects months of community input and expert evaluations, ensuring that the most critical facility and safety needs are addressed.

Typically, it takes about 18-24 months from the passage of the bond to the end of construction, depending on weather and scope of project.

The most recent bond was passed by voters in November 2015 and issued in February 2016 at $58,875,000 with a 25-year payment schedule. However, AISD has made advance payments and has shortened the maturity by two years. The original final payment was due Aug. 15, 2041, and it is now due Aug. 15, 2039.  The advance payments reduced total interest cost by approximately $4.3 million over the remaining life of the bonds.

There are two bond issues currently outstanding:

1. The Series 2011 Bonds will be paid off in August 2025. As of early March 2025, $6,525,000 principal is outstanding. The money is on-hand ready for the payment date.
2. The Series 2016 Bonds (approved by voters in November 2015, issued in 2016) will be paid off in 2039. As of early March 2025, $44,010,000 is outstanding.

By law, bond funds cannot be used for payroll expenses or any daily operational costs such as utilities, supplies, fuel, and insurance.  Instead, bond funds can only be used for new buildings, additions and renovations, land acquisition, technology infrastructure and equipment, or school buses.

A school district’s tax rate is comprised of two components or “buckets.” The first bucket is the Maintenance and Operations budget (M&O), which funds daily costs and recurring or consumable expenditures such as teacher and staff salaries, supplies, software and utilities. The second bucket is the Interest and Sinking budget (I&S), also known as Debt Service, and that is for longer-term capital improvements approved by voters through bond elections. I&S funds cannot by law be used to pay M&O expenses, which means that voter-approved bonds cannot be used to increase teacher salaries or pay rising costs for utilities and services.

The Athens ISD bond election does not include an increase in Athens ISD’s property tax rate. An individual’s tax bill can vary according to a number of factors, including the assessed value of their property — which is determined through the county appraisal district. Again, an increase to the Athens ISD tax rate is not part of the bond proposal. Please be aware that state law requires the ballot for a bond election to include the language: “This is a property tax increase.”

Under state law, if you have applied for and received the Age 65 Freeze on your homestead, your school taxes CANNOT be raised above their frozen level unless you make significant improvements or additions to your home. To apply for the Age 65 freeze, contact your county’s Central Appraisal District.

Henderson County:
Henderson CAD – Official Site

Van Zandt County:
Van Zandt CAD – Official Site

Anderson County:
Anderson County Appraisal District

Early Voting Locations, Dates and Times (April 22-29, 2025)

Registered Athens ISD voters may vote at any of the locations listed below.

Main Early Voting Location

• Henderson County Election Office
  Address: 201 East Larkin, Athens
  • April 22 – April 26: 8 AM – 5 PM
  • April 27: 12 PM – 6 PM
  • April 28 – April 29: 7 AM – 7 PM

Branch Early Voting Locations

1. Mabank City Hall
   Address: 129 East Market Street, Mabank
   • April 22 – April 26: 8 AM – 5 PM
   • April 27: 12 PM – 6 PM
   • April 28 – April 29: 7 AM – 7 PM
2. Gun Barrel City Hall
   Address: 1716 West Main Street, Gun Barrel City
   • April 22 – April 25: 8 AM – 5 PM
   • April 28 – April 29: 7 AM – 7 PM
3. Seven Points City Hall
   Address: 428 E. Cedar Creek Parkway, Seven Points
   • April 22 – April 25: 8 AM – 5 PM
   • April 28 – April 29: 7 AM – 7 PM
4. First Methodist Church – Heritage Hall
   Address: 501 North Second Street, Chandler
   • April 22 – April 25: 8 AM – 5 PM
   • April 28 – April 29: 7 AM – 7 PM

Election Day Voting (7 AM – 7 PM, May 3, 2025)

• Registered Athens ISD voters may vote at any Vote Center within the county.
• Polling Locations:
  1. Seven Points City Hall – 428 E. Cedar Creek Parkway, Seven Points
  2. Gun Barrel City Hall – 1716 West Main Street, Gun Barrel City
  3. Henderson County Election Office – Entrance in back of building, 201 East Larkin, Athens
  4. Mabank City Hall – 129 East Market Street, Mabank
  5. Trinidad City Hall – 100 Park Street, Trinidad
  6. Payne Springs Fire Rescue Station 1 – 12650 TX-198, Gun Barrel City
  7. First Baptist Church – 13567 TX-31, Brownsboro
  8. Oran White Civic Center – 701 N. Tool Drive (Hwy 274), Tool
  9. Eustace High School – Kirk Gym – 318 FM 316 South, Eustace
  10. First United Methodist Church – Heritage Hall – 501 North Second Street, Chandler

Eligible Voters: Registered voters of Athens ISD in Henderson, Anderson and Van Zandt counties

Anyone at least 18 years of age on Election Day and living within the boundaries of Athens ISD is eligible to vote.  You must be registered by Thursday, April 3, 2025, in order to participate in this election.

You can check your registration status at www.votetexas.gov.

If you need to update your address, you can fill out this form online to make a change.