Frequently Asked Questions

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved to call a bond referendum to address aging school facilities, classroom spaces that are smaller in square footage than the state requires, and energy efficiency. These issues cannot be addressed through the district’s Maintenance and Operations tax revenue and the state of Texas does not provide any additional funding for school facilities. The only way to pay for these projects, is to levy a tax that specifically pays for capital improvements through a bond election.

The proposed bond package is $107M. The projects will benefit every student in Dumas ISD and addresses aging facilities, small classrooms that do not meet state square footage requirements, and energy efficiency.

• Three New Replacement Elementary Schools ($91,706,362)
  • New Cactus Elementary School in the city of Cactus
  • Two new replacement elementary schools in the city of Dumas

• Energy Efficiency ($2,854,906)
  • Replace HVAC units, LED lighting, and districtwide energy management program
• Career & Technology Building ($7,922,262)
  • Expand Construction Trades and Building Trades classrooms, shops, and equipment spaces to serve more students
• Fine Arts Renovations & Upgrades ($2,055,884) o Enlarge the band hall, practice rooms, choir rooms, restrooms, and storage space for uniforms and band equipment
• Safety & Security ($776,937)
• Secure entryways at Dumas High School and Dumas Junior High

• Kitchen Renovations & Upgrades ($1,683,649)
• Renovate kitchens and serving areas at Dumas High School and Dumas Junior High

The proposal was developed by the Facility Advisory Committee consisting of citizens from across the district, including parents, students, and community members. The committee met over a five month period. They spent more than 820 hours studying, evaluating, touring schools, and prioritizing the district’s critical needs. Many project proposals were considered before the Committee ultimately made a recommendation to the Board of Trustees, which led to the calling of the bond election.

HB3 did provide the district with increased funding. However, the increase was intended to provide additional compensation for teachers and staff, as well as provide additional funding for targeted programs including At-Risk students, special education, and full-day Pre-K. The bill did not provide increased funding to be used for facilities improvements and construction.

If the voters approve the bond, construction planning will begin immediately. It may take up to 12 months of planning before actual construction can begin on the construction of new elementary schools. Construction can begin within 1-2 months for some of the other projects listed.

The district has included in it’s projected bond total the amount to remove the existing buildings from their sites once they’ve been replaced. We are currently working with the City of Dumas on a plan for the existing greenspace.

Bond proceeds cannot be used for employee salaries, raises, recurring bills, utility expenses, maintenance costs, rentals, or other operating costs.

• The last bond election was held in November of 2008
• Voters approved $25M in bond proceeds
• Projects included Dumas Intermediate School, Science lab additions to Dumas High School and Dumas Junior High, the addition of PPCD at Morningside Elementary, as well as replace ½ of the HVAC units districtwide
• Projects were on time, on target, and on budget

Dumas ISD has a proven track record of sound financial management and has maintained the same rate for the past nine years. The district has one of the lowest tax rates across the State. It has been 11 years since the last bond program in 2008 that was completed on time and on budget.

If voters approve the proposed bond package, the estimated financial impact is anticipated to be $0.34 for a total tax rate of $1.4179 – M&O tax rate of $0.97 + I&S tax rate of $0.4479. For the average Dumas ISD home valued at $94,000, this represents an increase of $27.00 per month.

The State Property Tax Code allows for school property taxes on an individual homestead to be “frozen” at the age of 65.  If you are 65 years of age or older and you have filed for the “Over 65 Homestead Exemption”, there is a ceiling on the amount of school taxes to be paid.  The only exception occurs when improvements are made to a home.  As such, a tax increase from a new bond program cannot increase the applicable tax ceiling of a taxpayer that has qualified for the “Over 65 Homestead Exemption.”

Early voting runs from October 21-November 1. Election Day is November 5, 2019. All eligible voters in Moore County can vote at any designated early voting site. Find your location here.

All registered voters in Moore County can vote in the Dumas ISD Bond Election. If you are not registered in Moore County, you are inelgible. For more information, click here.

The deadline for voter registration is October 7, 2019.  If you are not registered to vote in Moore County by this deadline, then you are not eligible to vote in this election.

First, the district will analyze the results of the failed proposal and determine if another election can be successful in May of 2020. Regardless of the outcome of the proposed bond, the district is still obligated to search for efficiency strategies, which may include consolidation of current elementary schools. Our highest priority will continue to be addressing the needs of the district.