During the May 2025 election cycle, Texas voters were asked to decide on 313 separate propositions seeking $41.3 billion in new principal debt. These 300+ proposals were put forward by many different cities, counties, school districts, and special districts, each for a particular purpose and cost.
Among the score of bonds proposed are those pitched by independent school districts (ISDs), who as we’ve noted in the past are the most heavily indebted local governmental type. In all, ISDs submitted 153 single-item propositions seeking authorization for $13 billion in new principal debt. (A complete list of these propositions can be viewed at the Texas Bond Review Board’s searchable bond election database). Of these, the most expensive item considered was Celina ISD’s $2.3 billion measure, followed by Melissa ISD ($800 million), Mesquite ISD ($578.5 million), and Hays CISD ($498.9 million).
As seen below, each of the top ten largest ISD bonds proposed in May 2025 received voter approval, meaning that select school districts will soon consume another $6.4 billion in public debt. Such substantial borrowing is likely to put upward pressure on the property tax.
What do you think about these latest results? Write me here, and let me know if you see your district on the list!
Source: Bond Review Board’s searchable bond election database