Frequently Asked  Questions

What is a school bond?
School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors to raise capital for large projects and purchases such as new construction, renovations, or transportation (buses and vehicles). Essentially, it’s a loan, paid back with the I&S tax rate over a period, much like a family takes out a mortgage for their home.

How do I know Garner ISD will spend the money on what they say they will?

Under state law, bond funds must be used for items listed on the election ballot. In addition, if the bond passes the district will invite community members to join a Bond Oversight Committee. This committee will meet regularly to oversee the construction of the bond projects. If the bond projects come in under budget and there is a surplus of funds, this committee would help the board decide if/how the funds are used.

 

How many transfer students does Garner ISD have?

As of the end of the first semester:

• 325 total students

• 122 transfers with 26 being staff related transfers

• That is 29.5% actual transfers

• Transfer students are only accepted in areas where classrooms have space and require more student enrollment to pay for the salary of the teacher/staff required to meet class size requirements.
   

Why doesn’t Garner ISD just stop accepting transfers, that way we wouldn’t need to hold a bond election?

The student enrollment in Garner ISD consists of approximately 122 transfer students. The district follows a rigorous application process for transfer students and some of the transfer students are children of employees. The district receives approximately $10,000 for each student from the state, including transfer students. That equates to approximately $122,000 the district receives for Maintenance and Operations including salaries for teachers. If the district did not accept transfers, we would not receive those funds. Additionally, by accepting transfers, we’re able to provide more academic and extracurricular programs for all students.

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How would the new cafeteria serve as a storm shelter?

The new cafeteria and kitchen would be designed and constructed to meet current building, energy efficiency, and electrical codes and meet current Texas Accessibility Standards and ADA requirements. Additionally, the structure would meet storm shelter requirements that include:

      • Withstanding missile impact

      • Walls must withstand 15-pound 2x4 shot at 100MPH

      • Roof must withstand 15-pound 2x4 shot at 67MPH

      • Wall and roof openings to complying with the missile-impact testing requirements

      • Structure must be designed to withstand additional wind force

      • Dedicated ventilation system

      • Critical support systems to remain operational for two hours

      • Toilet and hand wash facilities