It’s not the only school district that struggled to get voter support for major bond proposals.
ANNA, Texas — Voters rejected a $100 million proposal from Anna ISD for a new stadium Saturday. The bond proposal would have more than doubled their stadium’s current capacity, but 57% of voters were against the proposal.
Anna ISD did not immediately offer a statement on the proposal’s defeat. Supporters of the bond argued the new stadium would help the district keep up with growth and that the school currently has the smallest stadium of all the surrounding 5A districts.
It’s the second time voters rejected the 12,000-seat stadium. In 2022, voters approved the district’s plan to build new campuses in the growing Collin County school district but rejected plans for the stadium.
Bonds allow school districts to borrow money and it’s the primary way public entities pay for major infrastructure improvements, separate from its annual budgeting process. The debt is paid down using taxpayer dollars.
For a full list of results from Saturday’s municipal elections, go here.
At least three other North Texas school districts saw one or all of its bond proposals rejected by voters. Argyle ISD, Granbury ISD and Mansfield ISD had at least one failed proposal, several of which involved athletic facilities.
Granbury ISD asked voters to approve a $161.5 million bond to build several new campuses and make improvements to others. Turnout was low, with only about 113 people voting, and the proposal was voted down with 82%.
“The facility and enhancements proposed on the ballot were truly needed to accommodate future student growth and provide equity within our district,” a statement posted to the school district’s Facebook reads. “In the coming months we will take this feedback, study it, and figure out how to better address the challenges of student growth in our schools.”
In Argyle ISD and Mansfield ISD, voters also rejected proposals to build new facilities, including athletic complexes.
In North Texas, taxpayers have recently refused to pony up millions for new athletic facilities. In 2023, Prosper ISD voters rejected a major stadium proposal. In 2021, Allen and Fort Worth ISDs rejected bond-funded athletic upgrades.
In Argyle, about 57% of voters were against building a new baseball and softball complex at Argyle High School. A slimmer margin, about 52% of voters, were against spending $482 million on building new schools and increasing capacity at existing ones.
In Mansfield, three propositions totaling $188.5 million would have funded major upgrades for a stadium, athletics and fine art facilities.
However, several North Texas school districts received support for several bond proposals, including in Cedar Hill ISD where voters approved $282.4 million in facility improvements, including a new transportation facility, STEM and fine arts programs.
“This is such an exciting day for Cedar Hill ISD. After two previous attempts, we were able to put forth a plan that our community supported.” Gerald Hudson, Cedar Hill ISD superintendent said in a statement following Election Day. “This bond package will allow us to support our students and staff by providing them with the facilities they deserve.”
In Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, voters approved three propositions totaling $149 million.