Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is this bond being called? Why now?
The Three Rivers ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call a bond election totaling $23 million for November 4, 2025.
This decision came after months of work by our community facilities committee- which determined and prioritized needed improvements and safety updates in the district.
In 2023, voters approved two of the three bond propositions. The proposition that included funding for safety concerns, facility upgrades, and field repairs did not pass. Since then, additional facility renovations have been identified, and the district is bringing those items back for consideration in the current bond election.
2. How did the district decide which projects to include in the bond?
In summer 2025, the TRISD Facility Committee—made up of community members, business owners, parents, and district staff—began meeting to study district needs.
Over several months, they reviewed finances, assessed facilities, and analyzed construction and renovation options with estimated costs. Their recommendations shaped the bond projects.
3. What is the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature?
In an effort to increase student safety during extreme heat, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) has recently adopted new guidelines that require schools to use the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature—or WBGT—as the standard for deciding when outdoor activities can safely take place.
WBGT is a more accurate way to measure heat because it considers temperature, humidity, sunlight, and wind together. UIL has now regulated that when WBGT levels are too high, outdoor practices or classes must be adjusted, paused, or moved indoors.
A covered field would give students a place to continue physical education, recess, athletics, and even band activities during the school day, while still following these safety guidelines. It wouldn’t remove the need for weather monitoring, but it would help ensure activities could continue in a safer, shaded environment when outdoor conditions become too hot.
4. Why do school districts need to sell bonds?
School districts in Texas use bonds to finance large capital improvements and purchases such as renovations and new construction as well as transportation, technology, and other equipment.
Bonds are repaid by using the I&S tax rate. The M&O rate is used for salaries and other ongoing expenses. The state dictates both the M&O rate and the amount from that rate Three Rivers ISD receives. Unlike the M&O rate, the I&S tax dollars go directly to Three Rivers ISD.
5. How can bond funds be used?
Bonds can be used for any equipment, transportation, land, or project(s) that has a finite term. It must be used for a specific purpose or item. It cannot be used for salaries or any ongoing operating expenses.
6. How was the district tax rate configured?
Bonds are repaid by using the I&S tax rate. The M&O rate is used for salaries and other ongoing expenses. The state dictates both the M&O rate and the amount from that rate Three Rivers ISD receives. Unlike the M&O rate, the I&S tax dollars go directly to Three Rivers ISD.
7. How could this impact me if I'm over 65?
If you are 65 or older and have a homestead exemption on your primary residence in Three Rivers ISD, your school tax rate will not increase.