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Consultants present pre‑bond plan to McAllen ISD trustees, estimate ability to raise about $335 million without increasing tax rate
Summary
Pflueger Architects and the district’s advisors reported Facilities Forecast Advisory Committee feedback and outlined a potential bond framework emphasizing safety, modernization, equity and CTE additions, and provided a timeline for calling a bond election in February for a May 2, 2026 election.
McAllen ISD trustees heard a detailed pre‑bond planning update on Dec. 11 from Pflueger Architects and the district’s finance advisers, who said the district may be able to raise roughly $335 million under a no‑tax‑rate‑increase bond approach and described priority project categories.
Robbie McGowan of Pflueger Architects summarized feedback from the Facilities Forecast Advisory Committee and presented five priority 'buckets': modernization and alignment; district equity; learning beyond the classroom; wellness, safety and security; and districtwide improvements. McGowan said committee members generally favored pursuing a bond that would not raise the tax rate. "As you've heard from your financial adviser...the district has worked really hard over the years and has established very good standing with your debt service. So you have the potential to be able to raise, about $335,000,000 without raising the taxes," McGowan said.
Trustees and consultants discussed cost‑estimation methods, including verification with three local contractors and use of professional estimators, and noted contingency factors vary by project type (higher for new construction and additions, lower for roof or HVAC replacements). McGowan said the design and program definition work will continue over the holidays and that more refined cost estimates are expected in early January.
The consultants outlined procedural deadlines: board discussion opportunities in January, a Feb. 10 board meeting at which the board could call for a bond election, a Feb. 13 statutory deadline to call an election for the May 2 ballot, voter registration deadlines in April and early‑voting windows ahead of Election Day. McGowan emphasized that, per state rules, ballot language must indicate a bond is a tax increase even if the district's tax rate does not rise.
Trustees asked whether projects and costs would be finalized before calling the bond; administration and consultants said they would present prioritized projects and refined cost estimates to the board prior to any formal action. The board did not vote on bond authorization at this meeting; staff said additional presentations will follow in January.
