The Godley ISD Long Range Facility Planning Committee held its second session on October 25, 2023, at Godley Middle School.

Jeff Robert, a managing director with Hilltop Securities, reviewed the school district’s financial position and the general structure of bonds to pay for new buildings and capital projects.  Robert also explained the interest and sinking tax rate, which is used only to pay down debt as well as interest payments and is separate from the maintenance and operations tax rate that goes towards salaries, utilities and other general operating expenses.

State law requires school districts to include a confusing ballot notice for all bond elections that reads “this is a property tax increase.”  However, Robert reported that any bond approval would not result in a tax rate increase for Godley homeowners or businesses.  New bonds instead would be financed through new growth.

The group also reviewed current and future campus capacities as well as projects that could be included in a potential bond.  Small groups evaluated the list and prioritized these projects.

At the first session on Oct. 4, the committee received updates on projects from the May 2021 bond, reviewed projects postponed from the 2021 bond initiative due to an inflationary economy leading to higher costs and heard an updated demographics report.  The group also reflected on the unsuccessful May 2023 bond election with smaller groups discussing and reporting out on the best plan to move forward.

The advisory committee will hold several meetings over the fall to develop a recommendation for the school board. The group will consider how growth in Godley and the surrounding area will create needs for current campuses and needs for future facilities and infrastructure.

With over 50 members, the committee convenes for meetings in a safe, supportive and orderly environment so that members, regardless of their background, feel safe to actively participate in order to provide open and constructive input.