Marion ISD

Just as homeowners borrow money in the form of a mortgage, to finance the purchase of a home, a school district borrows money in the form of bonds to finance the construction of new schools and other capital projects. Both are repaid over time. A school district is required by law to seek approval by voters in the form of a bond election in order to issue bonds for new construction and capital projects.

The Board of Trustees have called for a $78.8 million bond to provide safety and security improvements on all campuses: High School, Middle School, and Elementary including such items as video surveillance, door hardware, and secure main entry vestibules. High School projects include a new CTE facility, new weight rooms + locker rooms, competition gym, and Black Box theater supporting multiple programs and classes currently held in outlying buildings on the campus. Middle School projects include safety upgrades, and cafeteria renovations. Safety and playground improvements will be provided at the Karrer campus. Safety upgrades and the outdoor pavilion at the Krueger Campus will become enclosed and conditioned for physical education and multipurpose space.

This bond program includes safety & security upgrades at all campuses and includes current facility needs to address growth, while identifying a long range approach to increased population of Marion ISD. Recognizing that Career & Technology Education (CTE) programs touch all students at the high school level, this bond program also provides for expansion and upgrades of CTE facilities.

Representatives from across the Marion ISD including parents, alumni, teachers, staff and other community members met with District administrators multiple times during the summer to tour existing facilities, review demographic data and learn about the academic programs in the District. This group developed a recommendation for the Board of Trustees who then determined the final bond program.

Bond funds  generated from the district’s I&S tax rate may be used for new construction, renovations, purchase of land, technology, and buses. These funds may not be used for salaries, supplies, fuel or other day-to-day District expenses, which are paid for from funds generated from the district’s M&O tax rate.

Marion ISD is committed to transparency. Should you have any questions, or would like more information, we will have several bond community meetings, you can email us, or visit our website at Marion ISD website. You can also contact us by email at communications@marionisd.net

If the bond election on May 6th passes, the design process will begin immediately. Some projects may begin construction in summer of 2023.

Yes. Just like we did with previous bond packages, we have financial professionals in place that will continue to keep a close eye on the spending approved by voters.