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2022 November Bond Program » Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

 
On August 22, 2022, the Stephenville ISD School Board proposed a $39,978,837 bond package be presented to voters in the district.  The following will appear on the November 8, 2022 ballot:
New District Football/Soccer Stadium - $39,978,837

New District Football/Soccer Stadium

  • Football and soccer competition turf field 
  • Seating for 7,500 (approximately 5,000 home side with some chair back, and 2,500 visitor)
  • Press box, lighting, scoreboard, and AV equipment 
  • Home and visitor locker rooms/halftime facilities  
  • Home and visitor restrooms and concessions
  • Parking 
  • To be constructed on land already owned by the district at the corner of Frey Street and Wolfe Nursery Road
  • Suitable for hosting playoff games, tournament play, band, dance competitions
  • Support school and community events and activities
 

 

 
Stephenville ISD’s current total tax rate is $ 1.1474. This rate is made up of an M&O (maintenance and operations) rate of $ 0.8646, and an I&S (interest and sinking fund) rate, also referred to as the debt rate, of $ 0.2828.

The bond package totals $ 39,978,837. The proposal provides the district and community with a football and soccer stadium seating approximately 7,500 people.

Taxpayers are not expected to see a tax rate increase from the bond. A few combined factors have put SISD in this position, including the early paying down of debt, low interest rate, and rising property values. 

 

 
Three independent entities provided similar estimates based on the needs communicated by the independent committee of community members.  Based on these estimates, the committee voted unanimously to communicate their confidence that a home stadium can be built for that cost.
 
 
The legislature passed a new law requiring school districts to include the language "THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE", even when the district is not expecting a rate increase. The issuance of new bonds will increase the term on the debt repayment at the current rate. The 2022 bond will not require an increase in the tax rate but will elongate the repayment term at the current rate. 
 
 
Yes.  Residents who have an over-65 homestead exemption, and qualifying disabled veterans, have the security of knowing that their taxes were frozen at the time of their 65th birthday. Anyone who needs more information about the exemption should call the Erath County Appraisal District at 254-965-5434 or go to the appraisal district’s website at erath-cad.com.
 

Stephenville ISD does not have a "HOME" stadium.  The contract between Stephenville ISD and Tarleton State University for use of Tarleton Memorial Stadium is binding through July 31, 2025. This stadium is where the YellowJacket football team has been hosted as 'HOME' for as long as anyone can remember.

With the above expiration date, the football team will be secured a place to play home scheduled events through the Fall 2024 season. After this time, if we do not have a secured facility, we will be playing all road games or be renting other facilities on 'off' nights based on availability.

Due diligence will guide SISD construction decisions to provide the best stadium experience as stewards of public funds.

 

 
Pre-Season and Gate Ticket Sales for football games bring in approximately $100,000. During the Fall 2020 regular football season, SISD paid Tarleton $65,500 for the use of their facility. (Prior to Tarleton going Division 1, our contracted rate ranged between $85,000 and $94,000 for several multiple years.) This fee does not include the cost of officials, game workers, or security.
 
Concession revenue has never gone directly to SISD. For the last several years, Sodexo runs the concessions on behalf of Tarleton and retains all proceeds. In prior years, different organizations or groups associated with SISD worked the concessions and their particular group or event benefited from the profits. (Example Booster Club, SISD Band, Project Graduation, etc.)
 
 
An independent committee worked with several resources and determined the the best option would be on land already owned by SISD across the street from the Junior High, at the intersection of Frey Street and Wolfe Nursery Road. 

The independent committee also assessed the possibility of building around Lem Brock Field located next to Henderson Junior High.  However, that would render Lem Brock Field and the other fields around it completely unusable for the duration of construction, removing the ability for practice and to host home games for our younger student athletes.  
 
 
 
 
A cross section of community individuals is currently in the process of providing input regarding features and needs for the multiple groups of students that this facility will support. Board member had the opportunity to nominate three individuals to the committee.

 

 
A generally accepted timeline would include at least 10 months of design, and 18+ months for construction. This is an ideal, best case scenario, and of course will be subject to the availability of resources, employees, etc.
 
 
Stephenville ISD has actively deployed various debt management practices to lower the borrowing costs of taxpayers. Such actions have provided the district's taxpayers with more than $6.6 million of direct savings since 2005. 
 
 
 
DATES:
 
Early Voting is held Monday October 24, 2022 - Friday November 4, 2022
 
Election Day is Tuesday November 8, 2022

Are YOU Registered to Vote?
Texas Voter Registration Information
Register to Vote before April 7
Erath County's Current Election website
What's on the Ballot?
 
 
All registered voters within the boundaries of Stephenville ISD are qualified to vote on the propositions. Register to vote by October 11, 2022.