Taylor ISD advisory committee recommends $147 million bond, calls for performing-arts center and campus upgrades

The Taylor Independent School District’s 2025 Community Advisory Committee recommended that the board call a $147 million bond election on Nov. 4, 2025, saying the measure would fund a new auditorium and expanded fine-arts space at the high school, science and STEM updates, middle-school turf and track improvements, land acquisition and other campus needs — all while maintaining the district’s current tax rate.

“On behalf of all members of the 2025 Community Advisory Committee, it is our recommendation that the board calls for a bond election on November fourth of 2025 in the amount of 147,000,000, which will result in no tax rate increase for Taylor residents,” Rhonda Miller, a committee member, told trustees during the board’s regular meeting.

The committee said the proposal resulted from five public meetings that included presentations from demographers, finance experts and district staff and participation by more than 100 community members. Members said the package splits projects into two categories: campus updates and student-focused spaces (including a much‑anticipated high‑school auditorium and expanded fine‑arts and dance facilities) and district infrastructure and planning (including land acquisition to allow future school construction).

Committee members described the auditorium as a completion of the high school campus that would keep performances and practices on site rather than requiring students to travel to the MSC auditorium. The proposal also prioritizes science lab renovations and sprinkler-system upgrades at Taylor Middle School, traffic and site improvements, and additions to early-college and CTE spaces.

Members emphasized the process and fiscal constraints: committee presentations reviewed the district’s existing A credit rating, debt-reduction work under the 2022 bond and a tax-rate plan that, according to the committee, preserves the current rate of $1.10 and would not increase taxes for voters if the bond were approved.

Trustees in the meeting praised the community outreach and urged that the performing-arts facility be designed “right the first time,” describing options discussed by the committee that favored a larger initial build rather than later expansion. Several trustees said the bond would help position Taylor ISD for future growth, including potential reclassification as a 6A school.

No formal vote to call an election appeared in the meeting record; the presentation concluded with the advisory committee’s recommendation and trustees’ comments. The board will have to take a separate, formal action to place the question on the November ballot.

The committee presentation also included specific early funding recommendations and a request that the board consider reimbursing some near-term district expenditures from future bond proceeds should the bond be approved.

If the board moves forward, district staff said they will present schedules and required notices for a bond election and continue design development and community information sessions.