The Godley ISD bond proposal was the topic at the second Wildcat Talks family and community event on February 27, 2023, at Pleasant View Elementary School. 

The May 6 election includes a single proposition for a $889 million bond initiative recommended by the Long Range Facility Planning Committee, which included a mix of parents, students, community members and district staff numbering almost 60 strong.

Superintendent Dr. Rich Dear reviewed the committee recommendations:

• Learning spaces for an additional 5,095 new students:  three new elementary schools, one new middle school, doubling the size of Godley Middle School, additions at Godley High School, renovations at R.B. Godley Elementary School and Legacy Elementary School

• Infrastructure and support to accommodate growing student enrollment:  several projects including traffic flow improvements and additional parking, safety and security upgrades, tornado shelters, technology infrastructure, additional school buses and replacement buses, transportation facility, and more

• Student programs:  career and technical education, performing arts center, black box theater, athletics addition, agricultural center addition, fine arts equipment, locker rooms for agriculture and tennis programs

A recent survey of parents and community members indicated over 66 percent supported the proposal, while 80 percent of employees favored the plan on a separate questionnaire.

New bonds will not impact the district’s property tax rate.  The tax base will increase as new homes are built and new businesses come to the community. The district cannot increase the interest and sinking tax rate, which is capped at 50 cents per $100 of property valuation. Bonds will only be sold as the district’s bonding capacity allows.  Should growth slow, the district can delay or postpone projects.

Additional information about the bond proposal and election is available at www.godleyisdbond.com.

Panelists participating virtually were Jim Hudsepth, executive director and chief appraiser for the Central Appraisal District of Johnson County, and Janet Crawford, area engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation.  Hudspeth addressed potential impact of the bond on the district tax rate, reaffirming that the school district cannot increase the I&S tax rate and that the district cannot influence property valuations.  Crawford updated attendees regarding current and future highway projects, calling Godley the “fastest growing city in Johnson County.”

During an “Ask Godley ISD” session, district administrators addressed questions from parents and residents submitted that night as well as some sent through the online form on the district website. The event also gave booster clubs to provide information to attendees.