Hardin-Jefferson Independent
School District
Bond 2012
Questions and Answers
Why has the District called for a bond Election?
HJISD has been engaged in a long-range strategic planning process since 2007. One of the components of
the process was to conduct a full-scale evaluation of our facilities, seek community input, and determine
the best course of action for our future needs. During this time, a community-based committee
recommended that the District make substantial improvements to the District’s facilities. Those
improvements would require a school bond election.
What is a school bond?
A bond is nothing more than a contract to repay borrowed money on a given date and to pay interest at a
given rate, similar to a home mortgage. This type of long-term financing allows the district to pay for large
costs related to facilities and other capital improvements that cannot be funded through the Maintenance
and Operations side of the district’s budget.
What are the components of the bond?
New Henderson Middle School
•
•
•
Renovations to Sour Lake Elementary
•
•
•
•
•
$ 2,448,118
New pick-up & drop-off loop to ease congestion
Additional emergency exits and elimination of dead-end corridors
Renovation of existing restrooms
New fire alarm system and classroom communication system
Athletic Improvements
•
New softball/baseball fields including concessions and restrooms
•
$ 17,531,338
The new campus would be a combination of renovated and new space.
Approx 40% of the new campus would be comprised of renovated space from
the existing campus – including the existing band hall, the existing science wing,
the existing auditorium, and the two existing gyms. The renovated spaces would
total about 47,000 sq ft.
Academic and instructional spaces will be built new and comprise the
remaining 60% of the new facility. The new construction would total about
70,000 sq ft.
$ 2,443,620
New tennis courts
Track improvements
TOTAL BOND PROJECT
$ 22,423,076
Hardin-Jefferson Ind. School District
Bond 2012
Question & Answers
Who decided on the specifics of the bond program?
The District formed a Facilities Committee comprised of 22 community members from our 6 distinct
communities. They were charged with assessing the District’s facility needs, determining the best, most
cost effective solutions, prioritizing a list of facilities projects, and providing a report and recommendation
to the District. In doing so, the committee explored all available options, toured current facilities, studied
current demographic and financial data, and called on experts in the areas of architecture, school finance,
taxation, and school construction.
Will the District realign its current grade level structure?
No. We currently have two Pre-K through 5th grade elementary campuses, which eliminates the need to
bus elementary students across the District. The Middle School will continue to serve grades 6-8 and the
High School will serve grades 9-12.
Will every campus benefit from the bond program?
No. Most of the proposed bond will be designated to the replacement of Henderson Middle School and the
renovation of Sour Lake Elementary. Being that Hardin-Jefferson High School and China Elementary were
constructed in 2009, only a few improvements are called for in this facilities plan, and those will be
addressed outside of this bond proposal.
Where exactly will the new middle school be located?
The proposed new middle school would be constructed on the same site where the current middle school
sits. In doing so, we plan to utilize portions of the current middle school in the new design, including the
gymnasiums, the auditorium, a few classrooms, the girl’s dressing rooms, the science wing, and the new
band hall. The construction would have to be phased in a way that allows us to utilize these portions of the
facility while constructing the new building.
In what order will the bond projects be undertaken?
Since the District plans to build the new middle school on the site of the current middle school, much of the
scheduling will depend on the phasing and sequencing of the construction, as well as the academic
calendar. The District is studying the best and least intrusive method of construction to allow for the best
possible environment for instruction. The projects apart from the middle school will be accomplished in a
timely fashion. Sour Lake Elementary renovations could begin shortly after the election and will likely
continue through the summer of 2013. The new baseball/softball fields will likely be constructed at the
same time as the renovations at SLE. The new tennis courts and track improvements will begin near the
end of construction of the middle school project.
Page 2 of 10
Hardin-Jefferson Ind. School District
Bond 2012
Question & Answers
What are the major issues with Henderson Middle School?
Henderson Middle School is currently 52 years old and the building presents several challenges for our
staff and students.
Structural Ceiling/Roof Deck: The majority of the existing campus is constructed using a
unique ceiling/roof deck combination that also houses all of the campus’ lighting and air
conditioning ductwork. Below is a picture of the system as an example. This system
presents multiple problems, first of which is that the ceiling is only 7 to 8 feet high in
most places. This prevents the district from improving classroom lighting or installing a
lay-in ceiling to accommodate improved air distribution. This system also serves as the
roof deck, which leaves no space for insulation to improve campus comfort and energy
efficiency.
Air Distribution System: The air distribution system is original to the building and can no longer
distribute air evenly throughout the building. This causes some classrooms to be very
cold while others are very warm. In addition, the current air system does not meet
ASHRAE standards for bringing in enough fresh, outdoor air. This has resulted in higher
than recommended Carbon Dioxide levels in the building during recent tests.
Electrical System: The electrical system does not meet current code. The main breakers in the
mechanical rooms will not accommodate the power requirements for new additional
equipment. The current breakers are also unsafe to turn on and off. Another concern is
that there are additional electrical breaker sub panels that are located in the hallways and
accessible to students. While they remain locked, this is still a safety hazard for students.
Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines: Much of the sewer pipe under the campus was constructed of
concrete pipe. Over the years this pipe has deteriorated and collapsed causing many
sewer issues throughout the campus.
Restroom/Locker Room Issues:
Dead-end Corridors: Fire code does not allow a dead-end hallway to be more than 20 feet long
so that in case of a fire building occupants will not become trapped. Currently the
campus has multiple dead-end hallways that do not meet fire code and pose a safety risk
to teachers and students.
Health and Safety Issues:
Page 3 of 10
Hardin-Jefferson Ind. School District
Bond 2012
Question & Answers
What parts of Henderson Middle School will be replaced or renovated?
The planned replacement of Henderson Middle School is not a complete demolition and replacement. The
plan involves the replacement of a portion of the building and the renovation of the remainder. The
portions of the structure that will remain and be renovated include the band hall, the auditorium, 6 science
classrooms, 3 science labs, 4 regular classrooms, the girl’s dressing room, and both gymnasiums. This
portion of the building that will remain and be renovated totals approximately 47,000 square feet and will
represent about 40% of the new facility once complete. The remaining classrooms and instructional areas
will be replaced with new construction. The new construction will total approximately 70,000 square feet
and will represent about 60% of the new facility. The following visual will give you an approximation of
what will be renovated:
If the voters approve the bond, when would the new Henderson Middle
School open?
The District estimates that the occupancy of the new Henderson Middle School would occur in the summer
of 2015.
Page 4 of 10
Hardin-Jefferson Ind. School District
Bond 2012
Question & Answers
What renovations will take place at Sour Lake Elem?
Renovations to Sour Lake Elementary include:
New Student Pick-up/Drop-off: A student drop-off and pick-up loop will be constructed to ease
traffic congestion at morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. The loop will also feature
additional parking. See the illustration below.
Emergency Exits in Exterior Classrooms: Classrooms in the building are arranged in pods.
Each pod has four classrooms, two along the main hall and two along the exterior of the
building. In case of a fire or an emergency, the occupants in the classrooms on the
exterior of the building might become trapped. Emergency exit doors will be installed in
each room along the exterior to allow teachers and students to exit in emergency
situations.
Pod Hallway Storage: The classrooms on campus were originally constructed with no classroom
storage. Over time large storage units were placed in the hallways. This has restricted
hallway traffic and created emergency exit issues. Renovations would include building
cabinets in the hallways on one side to provide storage while maintaining a clear, safe
path for traffic.
Restrooms: Restrooms will be renovated, updated, and made handicap accessible.
Fire Alarm System: The current fire alarm system is incomplete and non-operational. A new
complete fire alarm system will be installed throughout the building.
Dead-end Corridors: Fire code does not allow a dead-end hallway to be more than 20 feet long
so that in case of a fire building occupants will not become trapped. Currently the
campus has multiple dead-end hallways that do not meet fire code and pose a safety risk
to teachers and students. Creating a second exit to each dead-end corridor will eliminate
all existing dead-end corridors.
PA and Teacher Communication System: The current public address system is in need of
replacement and is only a one-way communication system. Currently, teachers are
unable to call the office if the need arises. A new system will be installed to ease
office/classroom communication that will include office call buttons in each classroom.
The following visual will give you an approximation of what the new Student Pick-up/Drop-off
will look like:
Page 5 of 10
Hardin-Jefferson Ind. School District
Bond 2012
Question & Answers
The district’s long-range plan indicated that Sour Lake Elementary
would be replaced in the future. When will that take place?
The renovations being proposed at Sour Lake Elementary (SLE) are designed to extend the life of that
building for approximately 20 years. SLE was originally built in 1979, making the building 33 years old.
The district’s long-range plan is to consider replacing the building in approximately 20 years when the
building is approximately 50 years old.
What portion of this bond proposal is for athletic improvements?
Athletic improvements account for $2,443,620 of the total bond proposal. The remainder of the proposal
includes the replacement and renovation of academic and instructional space totaling $19,979,456. To put
that into percentages, 89% of the bond will be spent on academic and instructional improvements, and 11%
will be spent on athletic improvements.
Is there District growth? Are we increasing student population?
Hardin-Jefferson ISD’s student population has been relatively constant for about 12 years. However, there
are indications that growth may possibly come our way. There are several neighborhood developments in
the planning and construction stages at this time. The District is addressing these concerns by designing
schools that could be easily expanded to accommodate the potential growth, while not building any more
than we currently need.
If voters approve the bond, how will my taxes be affected?
The proposition would increase the I&S tax rate by $ 0.20 based off of estimated future tax values.
Please see the tax rate chart below to see how the bond would affect a homestead.
$22.4 Million Bond Proposal – Total Tax Levy on Homestead
Home Value
Estimated Maximum Annual Increase from 2012 Bond
$75,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
97.50
140.00
225.00
310.00
What will happen to my taxes if I’m 65 or older?
Senior citizens who are 65 years old or older, and who have filed for a “freeze” or “ceiling” to be placed on
their homestead school taxes, will not be impacted by a tax rate increase. Seniors can contact the appraisal
district in their county to receive the senior citizen exemption. This provision is spelled out in the Texas
Constitution, Article VII, Section 1-d.
Page 6 of 10
Hardin-Jefferson Ind. School District
Bond 2012
Question & Answers
What is the difference between the Maintenance & Operations (M&O)
and Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rates?
Property taxes are the primary source of local funds for public education. Districts adopt two tax rates each
year, an M&O tax rate, which generates revenue that can be used for any legal purpose to operate the
district’s schools (pay salaries, maintain buildings, purchases supplies, etc), and an I&S tax rate, if the
district has debt. I&S taxes are levied to pay debt service on a bond issue and are used to finance school
construction.
Did HJISD raise the tax rate this year?
No, the district actually plans to reduce the total tax rate this year from $1.285 to $1.275. The rates for the
past several years have been as follows:
Tax Year
2008
2009
2010
2011
I&S
$ 0.305
$ 0.280
$ 0.235
$ 0.245
M&O
$ 1.04
$ 1.04
$ 1.04
$ 1.04
Total
$ 1.345
$ 1.320
$ 1.275
$ 1.285
What is the maximum legal amount that is allowed by Texas law for
I&S and M&O?
A district is allowed to tax at the rate required to pay the current debt service on all voter-approved bonds.
The district is required to prove that a proposed bond issue’s debt service requirements will not increase the
total I&S rate above $ 0.50, based off of current values.
The maximum M&O Rate is $1.17. Voter approval is required for an M&O rate over $ 1.04
What will the future tax rate(s) be for the bond issue, if passed, for
I&S?
The proposed bond could increase the I&S tax rate up to $ 0.20. This is based on the assumption that the
district will lose tax value over the next several years from the depletion of oil and gas. Based on current
values, the rate would be lower.
What will the future tax rate(s) be for M & O if the tax rates are
increased for I & S to have to cover the bond issues?
M&O and I&S are two separate taxes that raise revenue for separate purposes. One cannot be used to
support the other. The bond issue has no bearing on the M&O rate.
Page 7 of 10
Hardin-Jefferson Ind. School District
Bond 2012
Question & Answers
Does this bond affect teacher salaries?
No. Salaries must be paid out of the Maintenance & Operations side of the district’s budget. bonds impact
the Interest & Sinking side of the budget. Money generated by bond sales may only be used to pay for
capital expenses, such as facility and technology upgrades, construction/renovation projects and other large
purchases expected to be utilized over a period of several years.
How much, if any does HJISD have to send to the State of Texas for
being a "Rich District?"
Hardin-Jefferson ISD doesn’t send money to the state.
Since 2007, who are the district’s top ten taxpayers?
2007
2008
((((((((168,961,800
((((((((((37,189,670
((((((((((16,327,530
((((((((((15,412,410
((((((((((13,032,540
((((((((((11,330,570
((((((((((((9,803,160
((((((((((((8,174,670
((((((((((((6,844,000
((((((((((((5,919,250
((((((((292,995,600
Total(Values
((((((((846,678,870
((961,670,823
((((((((967,620,270
35%
42%
38%
Top(Ten(Percent(of(total
2010
Top(Ten(Percent(of(total
((232,279,150
((((48,620,150
((((27,364,370
((((23,295,710
((((14,562,110
((((14,299,300
((((13,905,540
((((12,155,140
((((10,329,560
((((10,041,870
((406,852,900
Samson(Lone(Star(LP
Cimarex(Energy
Motiva(Refinery
William(Arthur(Roane(Land
Helmerich(&(Payne
Transcontinetal(Gas(Pipeline
Flint(Hills(Resources
Energy(Texas(Inc
Ballard(Exploration(Co
Periwell(Energy
2011
1 Samson(Lone(Star(LP
$(((((287,247,990
2 Ballard(Explorations(Co(Inc ((((((((((18,706,360
3 Transcontinental(Gas(Pipeline
13746960
4 Samson(Lone(Star(LLC
12076170
5 Movtiva(Refinery
12071040
6 Cimarex(Energy(Co
11762430
7 Entergy(Texas(Inc
((((((((((11,509,980
8 Broussard(J(E(Heirs(O&G(LP ((((((((((((9,658,590
9 Legend(Natural(Gas(III(LP ((((((((((((7,940,990
10 Addison(Oil(LLC
((((((((((((7,467,340
Total(Top(10
((((((((392,187,850
Total(Values
Samson(Lone(Star(LP
Motiva(Refiner
Samson(Lone(Star(LP
Roane(William(Arthur(Land(TR
Cobra(Oil(&(Gas(Corp
Transcontinental(Gas(Pipeline
Penwell(Energy(Co
Cimarex(Energy(Co
Ballard(Exploration(Co(Inc
BP(America(Production(Co
2009
1 Samson(Lone(Star(LP
2 Motiva(Refinery
3 Bertha(Roane(Etal
4 Huntsman(Petrochemical
5 Transco(Gas(Pipeline
6 Entergy(Gulf(States,(Inc.
7 Sour(Lake(Oil(&(Gas(LLC
8 Metano(Energy(LP
9 Union(Pacific(Railroad(co.
10 Edra(Harder(Bogucki
Total(Top(10
Samson(Lone(Star(LP
Motiva
Legend(Natural(Gas
Transcontinental(Gas(Pipeline
Ballard(Exploration(Co(Inc
Entergy(Texas
Brousard(J(E(Heirs(O&G(LP
Cimarex(Energy(Co
Flint(Hills(Resources(LP
Addison(Oil(LLC
((((((((231,793,110
((((((((((29,386,980
((((((((((28,314,690
((((((((((14,919,990
((((((((((14,889,000
((((((((((14,595,420
((((((((((10,982,690
((((((((((10,154,150
((((((((((((8,813,890
((((((((((((8,227,540
((((((((372,077,460
2012
((167,674,060
((((58,231,660
((((19,054,250
((((12,551,840
((((12,096,900
((((11,689,060
((((10,331,890
((((((8,291,200
((((((8,243,040
((((((7,115,500
((315,279,400
Samson(Exploration
Motiva(Refinery
Transcontinental(Gas(Pipeline
Legend(Natural(Gas
Flint(Hills(Resources
Entergy(Texas
Transcontinental(Gas(Pipeline
Crown(Piine(Timber
Brousard(J(E(Heirs(O&G
Cimarex(Energy
((((((((158,784,020
((((((((((26,209,130
((((((((((15,586,670
((((((((((14,906,290
((((((((((13,985,210
((((((((((12,599,440
((((((((((11,059,570
((((((((((11,046,050
((((((((((10,565,390
((((((((((((9,552,000
((((((((284,293,770
((((1,028,565,559
((941,394,723
((((((((949,961,519
38%
33%
30%
How much money is still remaining from the 2007 bond issue?
All of the funds raised from the 2007 bond issue were spent on the districts construction projects including
the building of China Elementary and Hardin-Jefferson High School.
Did HJISD keep its tax rate promise after the 2007 bond?
Leading up to the bond election in 2007, the district explained that the tax rate would not exceed $0.39 for
debt service at its highest point. Based on financial projections made by our financial advisor, the 20092010 school year should have been the year with the largest debt service rate. The district levied a debt
service rate of $0.28 that year, $0.11 below the maximum the district promised the community.
Page 8 of 10
Hardin-Jefferson Ind. School District
Bond 2012
Question & Answers
Who sets appraised property values?
State law requires each county to establish a county appraisal district. The Hardin County and Jefferson
County Appraisal Districts and their boards have the authority to set and adjust property valuations.
How well does Hardin-Jefferson ISD manage its finances?
One of the top financial rating agencies—Moody’s Investors Service—has rated Hardin-Jefferson ISD a
rating of “Aaa,” pursuant to the permanent school fund bond guaranty program, one of the best ratings
available. The district is expected to retain this rating in the proposed bond issue. This high rating is much
like an individual’s credit score and allows the district to receive lower interest rates for its bond payments,
which in turn saves money for taxpayers.
How will the bonds be sold?
The bonds will be sold over a period of years to coincide with the cash-flow requirements of various
construction projects. In other words, the bonds will not be sold until they are needed.
Where can I get more information?
Call the Hardin-Jefferson administrative offices at: (409) 981-6400
Visit the HJISD web site at: www.hjisd.net
Email questions or suggestions to: [email protected]
Attend one of the public forums (see below)
Will there be public forums?
The district will host 4 public forums during the months of September and October to disseminate
information and field questions about the upcoming bond election. The schedule is as follows:
1. Sept 13, 2012
6:30pm
Sour Lake Elem Library
2.
Sept 25, 2012
6:30pm
China Elem Cafeteria
3.
Oct 4, 2012
6:30pm
Idylwild Golf Club
4.
Oct 11, 2012
6:30pm
Henderson MS Library
Who can vote?
Any U.S. citizen who meets the following requirements is eligible to vote:
• A resident within the boundaries of Hardin-Jefferson Independent School District
• At least 18 years of age
• Registered to vote at least 30 days prior to election day
When and where do I register to vote?
You must register to vote by October 9, 2012 to be eligible to vote in the Nov 6th bond election. You may
register in person at your County Clerk’s Office or you can obtain a voter registration application from
local libraries, most post offices, any HJISD campus, or from the HJISD administration office. You may
also request a form by visiting www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml
Page 9 of 10
Hardin-Jefferson Ind. School District
Bond 2012
Question & Answers
Election Day
Tuesday, November 6, 2012 7:00am - 7:00pm
JEFFERSON COUNTY
• PCT #s 25, 26, 28, 66, 90
• PCT #s 24, 91
China Elementary School – 605 Henderson Avenue, China
Nome First Baptist Church Hall - 1985 Louisiana, Nome
HARDIN COUNTY
• PCT #s 15, 17
• PCT #s 14
HJISD Administration Bldg - 520 S. Herring St., Sour Lake
Idylwild Golf Club – 1100 E. Pine Shadows Drive, Sour Lake
Early Voting
October 22, 2012 - November 2, 2012 8:00am - 4:00pm
• HJISD Administration Building - 520 S. Herring St., Sour Lake
Early Branch Voting
Monday October 29, 2012 5:00pm – 8:30pm
Sour Lake Elementary Open House
Sour Lake Elementary
1055 Hwy 326 S, Sour Lake
Tuesday Oct 30, 2007 5:00pm – 8:30pm
Henderson Middle School
3025 Hwy 326 S, Sour Lake
Friday November 2, 2012 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Hardin-Jefferson Football – Senior Night
Hardin-Jefferson High School
3025 Hwy 326 S, Sour Lake
To submit additional questions to be included in this document, please email them to [email protected]
Page 10 of 10