Frequently Asked Questions

General Bond Election Information

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

How will the bond election impact my taxes?

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.

How was the cost of $39,978,837 determined?

Why does the ballot say this will be a tax increase?

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.

Are taxpayers over the age of 65 exempt from the possible tax increase?

Why is SISD considering a football / soccer stadium?

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.

Does the district receive ticket sales and/or concession revenue from events at TSU Memorial Stadium?

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.)

Where would the football / soccer stadium more than likely be located?

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.

What will this facility look like?

What is the typical timeline for a football / soccer stadium construction project?

How has the Board/District handled debt management in prior years?

Bond Election and Voting Information

Who is qualified to vote in the Stephenville ISD Bond Election?