FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is a school bond?

A bond is like a home mortgage. It is a contract to repay borrowed money with an interest rate over time. Bonds are sold by a school district to competing lenders to raise funds to pay for the costs of construction, renovations, and equipment.

​

• What is a bond election?

What is a bond election? It's like asking for permission to take out a loan. School districts, as per state law, need to get approval from voters to sell bonds to investors. This money is then used to renovate existing buildings or build new schools. Just like a family takes out a mortgage loan for their home, a school board calls a bond election for voters to decide if they want to pay for proposed facility projects.

​

• How was the FCISD facility committee formed?

The FCISD facility committee was diverse and represented a cross-section of our community including business owners, parents, and staff. Meetings were public and open to everyone in FCISD. The committee reviewed all district facilities, school finance, and construction budgets, and potential projects when forming their recommendation. After months of meetings, the committee presented this recommendation to the board.

​

• How can bond funds be used?

Bond funds can be used to pay for new buildings, additions, and renovations to existing facilities, land acquisition, technology infrastructure, equipment, new or existing buildings, and large-ticket items such as school buses. Bonds cannot be used for salaries or operating costs such as utility bills, supplies, building maintenance, fuel, and insurance.

​

• How is the district tax rate configured?

Visit District Finances Page​

A school district's tax rate is comprised of two components: the Maintenance & Operations tax (M&O) and the Interest & Sinking tax (I&S). The M&O rate is used to operate the school district, including salaries, utilities, furniture, supplies, food, gas, etc. The I&S rate is used to pay off school bonds. Bond sales only affect the I&S rate. It is important to note that I&S funding is not subject to recapture like M&O funds are.

​

• Can bond dollars be used for salaries?

No, by law, the I&S tax rate cannot be used for salaries or ongoing operating expenses. The M&O tax rate funds salaries, utilities, student learning supplies, and other operational expenses. The State dictates the M&O tax rate and the amount of money the district receives from it.

​

• My property values continue to rise. Can’t the District just use my extra taxes to pay for this?

Property values are determined by your county’s Appraisal District (CAD). Falls City ISD and the CAD are not affiliated, and they are governed by separate boards of trustees. FCISD plays no role in determining property values.

​

• Why can’t the district use its fund balance to pay for the projects?

Although the district has a healthy fund balance, it is not sufficient to cover multi-million-dollar projects. The fund balance is designated for operating expenses, including teacher salaries and other routine costs.

​

• How will this impact me if I am over 65?

Falls City ISD residents 65 and older, who have properly applied and qualified for the exemption, will have their tax bill capped, unaffected by future appraisal or tax rate increases. However, significant improvements to your homestead may impact your bill and reduction in overall tax rate could reduce your bill.

​

• When is election day?

Election day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The last day to register to vote in the November 3rd election is Monday,

October 5th. Early voting is October 19-30.

​

• Who is eligible to vote in this election?

Anyone who is a registered voter and lives within Falls City ISD district boundaries is eligible to vote in this election.

​

• What if I’m new to the community and not yet registered to vote?

Voter registration applications are available in most government buildings. To vote in the November 3rd election, your voter registration application must be postmarked by October 5th.

Check your registration here

​

• How do I know if I’m registered to vote?

Check your registration here