Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ECISD expanding? The district expects 44,000+ new homes in the next decade. In just 2-3 years, ECHS, Tradition, Harmony, Honor, and Oak Crest will be over capacity.

Yes, school bonds in Texas—funded by the Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rate—do resemble a loan in how they function.

Here’s a breakdown:

🏫 What Are School Bonds?

• A school bond is essentially a "loan" that voters approve the school district to take out.

• The district sells these bonds to investors to raise money upfront for capital projects—like building new schools, renovating facilities, or purchasing buses.

• The bond must be repaid over time, with interest, using tax revenue.

💸 How Does the I&S Tax Rate Fit In?

• The I&S (Interest & Sinking) rate is the portion of your property tax bill specifically used to repay the debt (principal + interest) on these bonds.

• Think of it as the “mortgage” payment on the school district’s infrastructure investments.

• This tax rate is separate from the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate, which covers daily operational costs like teacher salaries and utilities.

🔑 Key Similarities to a Loan:

⚖️ Voter Role

• Bonds must be approved by voters through an election.

Yes, the I&S (Interest & Sinking) tax rate can fluctuate over time—but within limits and based on specific factors. Here's how it works in Texas:

🔄 Why the I&S Rate Might Change:

1. Bond Repayment Schedule

   • As older bonds are paid off or new bonds are issued, the district may adjust the rate to meet repayment obligations.

2. Property Value Changes (Appraisal Growth)

   • If property values go up, the district may be able to lower the rate and still collect enough to make payments.

   • If values go down, the rate might increase slightly to make up the difference—but only enough to meet the required debt payments.

3. Bond Refinancing

   • If the district refinances bonds at a lower interest rate, the savings can reduce the I&S rate.

4. Issuance of New Bonds

   • When voters approve new bonds, the rate might go up temporarily to start repayment—similar to taking out a new loan.

🚫 What the I&S Rate Can’t Be Used For:

• It cannot be used for salaries, supplies, or daily operations.

• It’s legally restricted to debt repayment only.

📊 In Summary:

The current school tax rate is $0.8829 per $100 valuation. It is the lowest tax rate out of the 19 school districts in the Bexar County area.

We offer a tax calculator that allows you to see your current school tax payment, as well as the projected amount if Bond 2025 is approved and the maximum tax rate is applied.

SCHOOL TAX CALCULATOR

Did you know that our school taxes have actually gone DOWN? The school tax rate in 2017-2018 was $1.34 per $100, and the 2024-2025 tax rate is $0.88. This is due to ECISD being a good steward of taxpayer money and paying off debt quickly.

The school tax rate is comprised of includes the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) portion, which pays for daily operations like teacher salaries and utilities, and the Interest & Sinking (I&S) portion, which is used to repay bonds (similar to a mortgage on a house).

THIS BOND ONLY AFFECTS THE I&S PORTION OF THE TAX RATE.

When we discuss an increase of $0.08 (the maximum tax increase and would not happen until 2027), it refers specifically to the I&S portion of the tax rate, which would support the repayment of the proposed bond. That doesn’t necessarily mean a flat increase to $0.96 across the board.

We estimate that a home with the value of $280,000 and has the Homestead Exemption (taxable amount drops to $180,000), the annual increase is $157 or $13 a month.

The tax rate doesn’t jump immediately to $0.96 (the maximum tax increase and would not happen until 2027). Instead, bonds are issued in phases over time (typically in three sets for a bond package of this size). This means the I&S rate adjusts based on how much debt is outstanding at a given time. While the rate could reach as high as $0.96 (the maximum tax increase and would not happen until 2027) per $100 if the bond is fully issued, that would be the maximum estimated impact—and only if necessary.

It's also important to note that as new homes and businesses are built and added to the tax base, more taxpayers are contributing, which can help minimize the impact on individual homeowners.

DID YOU KNOW?

ECISD has not hit the maximum amount requested from a bond that passed.

The district has consistently demonstrated financial responsibility, efficiency, and transparency.

1. Proven Financial Responsibility Over Decades

• Every year, ECISD must have an outside independent audit firm to audit ECISD. This has been a requirement from TEA since the early 1970s.  ECISD always receives an unmodified opinion from the auditor.  That is what we call a clean audit. You can view the 2024 audit.

• ECISD has maintained an A rating for Superior Achievement under the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) since 2001, showing over two decades of responsible financial management. 

• In the latest 2023/2024 rating, ECISD continues to earn perfect score of 100, demonstrating the highest level of fiscal responsibility. There are 19 indicators the district is scored on. 

• East Central ISD has scored an A for Superior Achievement since the FIRST program's inception in 2001.

2. Independent Audits Confirm Sound Financial Practices

• The 2023/24 financial audit was clean, meaning independent auditors found no significant errors or issues in ECISD’s financial records.

• For over 50 years, ECISD has maintained a clean audit.

• A district that mismanages funds would not pass audits without issues, let alone receive top ratings year after year.

3. Strong Credit Rating Reflects Stability

• ECISD holds a bond rating of Aa2 from Moody’s, which is one of the highest ratings for public institutions.

• A mismanaged district would not receive such a strong rating, as bond ratings reflect creditworthiness and financial health.

4. Rising Costs Are the Issue—Not Mismanagement

• The Texas Legislature has not increased the basic student allotment since 2019, despite five years of inflation.

• The $32.7 billion state surplus has not been allocated to public schools, leaving districts to manage growing costs on their own.

• ECISD has taken proactive steps, such as paying off bonds early and maintaining balanced budgets, to stretch resources as much as possible.

5. Real-World Impact of Rising Costs

Even with responsible management, ECISD faces the same inflationary pressures as households and businesses. Costs have risen dramatically for:

• Fuel & Transportation: Running school buses costs significantly more than it did five years ago.

• Utilities: Electricity, water, and gas bills have increased.

• Teacher & Staff Salaries: Schools must compete with private-sector wages to attract and retain high-quality educators.

• School Meals: The cost of food and supplies has gone up, yet funding has remained the same.

6. Transparency in Spending

• ECISD provides extensive financial transparency through https://www.ecisd.net/money-matters, where the public can review financial reports, budgets, and spending details.

• A district that mismanages funds would not be so open with its financial records.

New 9-12 High School #2: $208.87M
Location: South Site off Old Corpus Christi and Donop Road
Move In: Fall 2028
Purpose: Relieve 120% capacity at East Central High School (5,000+ students)
Capacity: 2,200 students, with a 3,200 student core
Features: Specialized Career and Technical Education programs not offered at ECHS. Extracurricular offerings will match ECHS.

New PK-5 Elementary School #10: $49.73M
Location: North Site off FM 1346 (West of 1604)
Move In: Fall 2027
Purpose: Relieve 120% capacity at Honor and Tradition Elementary Schools
Capacity: 900 students.

New PK-5 Elementary School #11: $50.55M
Location: South Site off Hildebrandt Rd
Move In: Fall 2028
Purpose: Relieve 120% capacity at Harmony and Oak Crest Elementary Schools
Capacity: 900 students.

Total Bond Cost: $309,150,000

Great schools do more than educate—they strengthen the entire community.

✅ Strengthen the local economy by attracting businesses and creating a skilled workforce.

✅ Improve public safety with education linked to lower crime rates.

✅ Support civic engagement by shaping future leaders and voters.

✅ Enhance quality of life through community programs and events.

Supporting our schools means building a stronger community for all!

YES! There are three exemptions that can prevent your taxes from increasing while still approving the bond?

1. Over 65 exemption
2. Veterans Disabled exemption
3. Exemption for home values underneath the Homestead amount

These exemptions must be applied for and granted by the Bexar County Appraisal Districts.

It's understandable to be concerned about the potential for reduced enrollment in public schools, but based on our current projections, the situation may not play out as expected. While vouchers could redirect some funding to private schools, they don’t fully cover tuition for most families, meaning many will still rely on public schools. Additionally, public schools offer vital services, particularly for students with special needs, which private schools may not be equipped to provide.

According to our demographers, we are expecting 44,300 new occupancies, and not all of these families will be choosing private or charter schools. The projected growth, which includes charter schools, still reflects a significant increase in public school enrollment. This suggests that, even with private and charter school options expanding, our district’s schools will continue to serve a growing community, and we are planning accordingly to ensure that we meet the needs of all our students.

Public schools will remain the primary option for the majority of families, and we are committed to continuing to provide high-quality education and necessary resources for all students.

Yes, the district has a Facility and Bond Planning Committee made up of over 100 community members—including parents, business and community leaders, non-administrative staff, and alumni. This committee initially reviewed facility conditions and developed the bond proposal that was ultimately approved by the Board of Trustees. This group continues to meet quarterly to receive and provide updates on budgeting and construction progress. In addition, monthly updates are presented to the Board of Trustees to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process.

On November 8, 2022, East Central ISD voters approved a $240 million bond to address overcrowding issues, as well as safety, career, and technical education, and land purchases for future growth. 

ECISD Bond 2022 Update: Thanks to your support, we're shaping the future! Here's the latest:

✔️ Completed: Honor Elementary is open, outdoor collaborative spaces are ready, safety/security upgrades are in place, and campus enhancements are live.
🚧 In Progress: Victory Elementary (2026), Valor Middle School (2026), Pre-K/K upgrades (2025), CTE facility (2026), & Central Transportation (2026).
📅 Coming Soon: Continued growth and innovation for our schools!

Together, we're building a brighter future for ECISD! Full update: https://www.ecisd.net/2022bond

BOND 2022 UPDATES

That’s a great point to bring up, and we’ve heard this question from others too—if all these new homes are going up and property taxes are coming in, why isn’t that enough to fund new schools?

The short answer is: school districts in Texas don’t get to keep all the money collected from property taxes.

Here’s why: Texas public schools are funded through a combination of local property taxes, state funding, and federal dollars, but the state has a system in place that limits how much a district actually receives based on the number of students it serves—not just how much property value is in the district. It’s called the “per-student allotment.”

So even if property values go up or new homes are built, the state adjusts its share of funding downward to keep total funding per student roughly the same. In other words, the extra revenue doesn’t stay here—it gets offset by the state.

When it comes to building new schools or major renovations, the state expects local communities to take that on through bond elections. Bonds are the only tool school districts have to fund major capital projects like building new schools, expanding campuses, or updating athletic facilities. The daily operating budget (which comes from that student allotment) can’t legally be used for construction.

So while new homes do eventually bring in more students and shift enrollment, they don’t give the district the financial means to build the classrooms needed to serve them without voter-approved bonds.

In the meantime, new homes bring in more families and students, which increases the need for staff, classrooms, transportation, and other resources. That’s why proactive planning and community support are essential to ensure we can continue providing quality education as our district grows.

Great question—and it’s totally understandable to assume that if it says “ECISD” on the tax statement, all of that money goes straight to the district. But in reality, it’s a little more complex because of how school funding works in Texas.

While that amount is listed under ECISD, the district doesn’t actually get to keep all of it. Here's why:

Texas uses what's called a “recapture” or “Robin Hood” system where the state limits how much funding a district can receive per student. So even though your tax bill says, for example, $3,769 goes to ECISD, a portion of that is collected locally but then offset by reductions in state funding. The result? The district ends up with about the same amount of money per student, no matter how high property values rise.

So when new homes are built and values increase, it does help over time, but the extra money doesn’t stay 100% local. That’s why districts across the state still need voter-approved bonds for big projects like building new schools, expanding campuses, or upgrading aging facilities. Those kinds of capital projects can’t be paid for from the regular operating budget, which is what the state controls.

We really appreciate you asking—school finance in Texas can be confusing, but conversations like this help build understanding across our community.

We hear you, and we truly understand the frustration. Just to clarify, East Central ISD isn’t involved in the decision-making when it comes to building new homes. Land developers are not required to consult with us or share their plans. Those decisions are made by developers and local governments, and unfortunately, we’re not always informed ahead of time.

Home/land developers are not required to help build new schools.

Our role is to plan the best we can to support the students and families who move into the area.

Why Was the South End of the District Chosen for the New High School?

The selected site, near Old Corpus Christi Road and Donop Road, was strategically chosen based on infrastructure availability, projected growth, and utility planning:

• Rapid Residential Growth:

  • The Hickory Ridge sub-division towards the south end of the district will have the most new homes created out of any sub-division.

  • Heat maps of new single-family housing show this area as a key growth hotspot within the district.

  • The combination of water, wastewater, and utility investments has made this location a prime area for future housing developments, directly impacting school enrollment needs.

• Water Availability & Infrastructure:

  • A major water line, the largest in San Antonio, is being installed in this area, signaling not only current growth but significant future expansion.

  • East Central ISD’s water supply is primarily managed by SAWS, which recently completed the 142-mile Vista Ridge pipeline. This pipeline adds 16 billion gallons of water per year—enough to support 166,000 households—ensuring long-term water security.

• Sewer & Utility Expansion:

  • SAWS has approved 11,975 equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) since 2021 across 12 separate developments in this corridor.

  • Wastewater service expansion, including oversized lift stations and new lines along New Sulphur Springs and W.W. White, is driving further residential development

By positioning the new high school here, ECISD is proactively addressing the demographic shift and ensuring students have access to a campus in the heart of the district’s fastest-growing area.

We appreciate your concerns regarding road conditions and traffic flow near the proposed high school site. The district has owned this property for quite some time, and as with all school construction projects, a TxDOT traffic impact study will be required. This study will inform necessary road improvements as part of the project.

For reference, similar improvements were made around Honor Elementary and Tradition Elementary, including turn lanes, acceleration/deceleration lanes, and general road enhancements. While the exact road design is not yet finalized, it will go through an approval process with the City of San Antonio to ensure it meets traffic safety and capacity needs.

Significant upgrades are planned for Old Corpus Christi and Donop Road, including widening lanes and improving the intersection with a traffic light instead of the current four-way stop. Additionally, curbs will likely be installed to prevent roadside parking, ensuring smoother traffic flow during school pickup and drop-off times.

Ultimately, the goal is to transform this area into a safer and more efficient roadway system that can handle school and commercial traffic more effectively. We will continue to provide updates as the planning process moves forward.

Ensuring Adequate Learning Spaces

As student enrollment increases, it is important to provide enough learning space. Portable classrooms offer a way to manage this growth, while permanent school buildings are built for long-term use and provide better security, accessibility, and sustainability.

Funding

The cost of purchasing a portable classroom is around $250,000. To accommodate near-term growth, about $3,500,000 ($3.5 million) would be needed. As more students enroll, additional portables may be required. The funding for this comes from the M&O (Maintenance and Operations) portion of the school tax rate. This part of the tax rate helps pay for programs, utilities, insurance, fuel, materials, staff salaries, school security, maintenance, and other daily needs.

Using a large amount of M&O funds for portables could limit the money available for other important areas, like programs, hiring and keeping staff, transportation, and other school needs.

The I&S (Interest and Sinking) portion of the tax rate is funded through bonds. Bonds are loans used only for building new schools and major construction projects. As bonds are paid back, the I&S tax rate can go down.

Learning Environment

Permanent school buildings are designed with features like good lighting, soundproofing, and climate control to create stable indoor conditions for learning. These buildings include spaces for things like science labs, libraries, and group work areas, which support a well-rounded education.

Safety and Accessibility

Permanent buildings meet security standards and include features that make them accessible for all students and staff. Since they are part of the main campus, students do not need to walk outside to reach other important areas.

Infrastructure and Cost

While portable classrooms can be moved if needed, they need regular maintenance and utility connections. Permanent buildings, built for long-term use, reduce the cost of repairs and energy use over time. They also fit into the district’s plans for future growth.

Campus Organization and Community Use

Permanent school buildings provide long-term spaces for education and community activities. These buildings are designed to host extracurricular activities, public events, and classes, all within a single, organized campus.

While the lottery was introduced with the intention of funding education, the reality is that it contributes only a small portion of the overall funding. In Texas, education funding comes primarily from local property taxes and state allocations, with the lottery accounting for about 6-10% of the total funding for public education. This means that while it helps, it’s not nearly enough to cover the costs of education, especially in a rapidly growing district like East Central ISD.

The ballot language and placement can be vague or confusing. School elections are typically at the very end of the ballot.

The ballot language will read as follows:

EAST CENTRAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
PROPOSITION A 

"The issuance of bonds in the amount of $309,150,000 for school facilities, with priority given to a new high school and two new elementary schools, and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interests on the bonds. This is a property tax increase.

Please note that House Bill 3 (2019) mandates the phrase "This is a Property Tax Increase" on ballot, even if the tax rate remains unchanged. Homeowners who are 100% disabled veterans, 65+, or below the exemption level will not see a tax increase, despite the ballot wording.

May 2025 Sample Ballot from Bexar County Elections Office