Cy-Fair ISD Voters Reject Tax Increase and School Bonds

The failed measures leave one of the Houston region’s biggest school systems without the extra operating revenue and borrowing authority it sought. The district is also confronting an estimated $80 million budget deficit after making substantial reductions in recent years, officials said.

Cy-Fair Schools Lose Funding for Staff, Safety and Repairs

Cy-Fair ISD voters rejected every measure that would have helped fund district operations and school improvements, leaving officials to address an estimated $80 million budget deficit without the additional resources they sought. None of the propositions received more than 37% support, despite the proposed funding for staff compensation, student programs, safety, repairs and technology.

Proposition A would have raised the district’s operating levy by 12 cents for every $100 of taxable property value, bringing in about $103 million annually. That money was intended for recurring costs, including compensation, campus safety personnel, transportation and student programs.

The four bond propositions, totaling $1.636 billion, covered repairs to existing schools, technology, athletic facilities and swimming pools. The largest, Proposition B, sought $1.3 billion for school repairs and improvements, including roofs, air conditioning and safety equipment. The package did not include new schools.

The district estimated that approval of all five measures would mean a net tax increase of 9 cents for each $100 in taxable value, following an anticipated drop in its debt-service tax rate. Nearly 198,000 ballots were cast, with about 76% during early voting.

Superintendent Doug Killian said the district accepted the results and would listen to the community and reassess its options. Officials have not announced specific cuts or which projects might be delayed; they must now decide how to address the needs with existing resources or other funding.

Voters Reject Cy-Fair Tax Hike and $1.6 Billion Bond Package

Cy-Fair voters turned down the district’s entire funding request, rejecting both a recurring tax increase and billions in proposed borrowing. The clear result leaves district leaders to reassess their plans rather than proceed with the measures as presented.

Proposition A would have lifted the district’s operating levy by 12 cents for every $100 in taxable property value, yielding about $103 million each year for expenses such as compensation, campus safety, transportation and student programs. The four bond propositions sought $1.636 billion for existing-school repairs, technology, athletic facilities and pool equipment.

The largest bond, Proposition B, requested $1.3 billion for repairs and upgrades, including roofs, air conditioning and safety equipment. The package did not propose new schools. The district estimated that approval of all five measures would have led to a net property-tax rise of 9 cents for every $100 in taxable value, factoring in an expected reduction in the debt-service rate.

Nearly 198,000 ballots were cast, about 76% during early voting. None of the five proposals gained more than 37% support, leaving the district without the additional operating funds or authority to borrow for the projects.

The district faces an estimated $80 million budget deficit and has made reductions in recent years. Superintendent Doug Killian said officials would listen to voters and reassess their options. The district has not specified further cuts or named projects that could be postponed; leaders must determine how to prioritize needs within available resources.