Godley ISD school board trustees called a school bond election for November 2025 during a special meeting on August 14, 2025, at Godley High School.

The vote follows the recommendation from the Facility Advisory Committee (FAC). The FAC, which consisted of 40 community members, reviewed the district’s facility conditions and enrollment growth projections. The recommendation was based on the committee’s work.

Because construction costs increase by as much as 10 percent each year, the cost of these projects increases each year they are delayed.

“We are grateful for the committee members, who spent a lot of time analyzing demographic reports, financial information as well as campus priorities.  The group carefully came to a recommendation to present to the school board and to local voters,” Superintendent Dr. Rich Dear said.

Texas school districts do not receive state funding for renovating or building new schools. Instead, they must receive funds through school bond elections. The 2025 November Bond will ask voters to consider a $119.9 million package in one proposition.

If approved by voters, Proposition A is designed to address enrollment growth by expanding the capacity of Godley Middle School. It addresses aging existing facilities and technology, including interior renovations; roofs, HVAC systems and plumbing systems replacements; and lighting, data wiring and classroom technology updates. Prop A also funds new buses and addresses parking and traffic patterns.

The $119,957,000 proposal addresses both aging facilities and enrollment growth including:

• Renovations to R.B. Godley Elementary School, including replacement of the roof and roof top HVAC units plus interior improvements including cafeteria expansion
• Renovations to Legacy Elementary School, including replacement of the roof and roof top HVAC units plus plumbing corrections and interior improvements including cafeteria expansion
• Renovations to Godley 6th Grade Campus, including replacement of the roof and roof top HVAC units
• A classroom addition to Godley Middle School as well as renovations to the existing building so, when completed, would serve 1,200 students in grades 6-8
• Technology improvements including data wiring, network infrastructure and classroom technology at GMS, G6, Legacy and RBG
• New school buses
• Traffic study and improvements

If paid for by bond funds, renovations would help make school buildings more energy efficient and lower operating costs – allowing the district to allocate its annual funds back into the classroom for other items like teacher salaries and student programs.

If passed, Prop A would not increase the tax rate for homeowners. 

Since 2019, state law requires all bond propositions for any school district to have the phrase “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE” on all ballot language for bond propositions. If the bond is passed, homeowners 65 years of age and older who have filed for and received the Over 65 exemption will not see an increase over their frozen dollar amount as long as they make no major improvements. 

In 2025, the Texas Legislature passed property tax relief measures for homeowners age 65 and older. If approved by voters in November, eligible individuals could receive a total school tax exemption of up to $200,000, combining the $140,000 general exemption and the $60,000 exemption for those age 65 or older or 100% disabled veterans. The existing school district tax freeze for seniors remains in place, ensuring that school district taxes on a qualifying home will not increase unless significant home improvements are made.

Depending on tax rates, property value changes, and exemptions, some senior property owners may see a decrease to zero school district property taxes. 

Be sure to check with your local county tax assessor’s office for your most recent tax statement and how you will be impacted.

The district will begin providing the community with voter education information about all areas surrounding the 2025 bond package. 

“We are obligated as good stewards to keep our voters informed about only the facts surrounding this bond,” Dear said. “These bond funds will only be used on the projects identified in this bond package and on the ballot. We will be reaching out by phone, mail, digital, and social media to inform all our voters about the facts before they go to the polls in October and November.”

Early voting begins Oct. 21 and ends on Oct. 31, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

More information about the bond projects and voting locations will be available on the district website at www.godleyisd.net/bond2025.

To register to vote or to find out your registration status, go to www.VoteTexas.gov or contact the county elections administrator.