Officials say funds will pay for much-needed facilities, services
The hard work paid off for Taylor Independent School District Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen Tuesday night as both propositions of a nearly $148 million bond issue received voter approval. Proposition A, which goes toward construction, renovations, capital improvements and land acquisition for future campuses, passed by a vote of 59.82% to 40.18%.
Proposition B, which was the Voter Approved Tax Rate Election, passed with 54.89% voting in favor and 45.11% dissenting.
“Taylor ISD is deeply grateful for the support of our community,” Garcia-Edwardsen said after the Nov. 4 balloting. “Because of
“ I want to thank our community for their trust and support.”
— Marco Ortiz, school board president
this commitment, we will be able to address facility and security needs across the district, including renovations and a new multipurpose facility at Taylor High School that will prepare us for the years ahead.”
The future multipurpose addition includes an auditorium, rehearsal and instructional spaces.
During the past several months, Garcia-Edwardsen and district leaders met with families, staff and community members day and night to create awareness of the referendum through presentations, campus tours and public meetings.
In addition to the multipurpose center, Proposition A funds classroom and science, technology, engineering and mathematics – STEM – spaces; safety and technology improvements; and facility upgrades across the district.
Proposition B — expected to generate $650,000 — will bring in additional funding that supports student programs and opportunities, classroom resources and support, and keeping class sizes small but with adequate school staffing.
It also paves the way for Taylor ISD to keep about $373,000 this year from corporate partnership agreements, officials said.
“The passing of Proposition B provides a competitive edge for Taylor ISD,” Garcia-Edwardsen said. “It allows us to better support our teachers and staff while continuing to offer high-quality opportunities for our students.”
District officials during the weeks before the Nov. 4 general election said passage of both bonds would mean the total school tax rate for 2025–26 will be nearly 4 cents lower than 2024–25, or $1.06 per $100 valuation.
Online critics of the measure, however, have disputed that math.
School board President Marco Ortiz also expressed his gratitude toward the voters.
“On behalf of the board of trustees, I want to thank our community for their trust and support,” Ortiz said. “These propositions are an investment in our students, teachers and the future of Taylor ISD. We’re proud to see our community come together to move our schools forward.”
