FAQs

GENERAL

  • School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors in order to raise the capital dollars required to renovate existing buildings or build a new school. Essentially, it’s permission to take out a loan to build, renovate, and pay that loan back over an extended period of time, much like a family takes out a mortgage loan for their home. A school board calls a bond election so voters can decide whether or not they want to pay for proposed facility projects.

  • Yes. Recent research by the Environmental Protection Agency suggests that a school’s physical environment can play a major role in academic performance. Leaky roofs and problems with heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can trigger a host of health problems – including asthma and allergies – that increase absenteeism and reduce academic performance. Research links key environmental factors to health outcomes and students’ ability to perform.

  • Working with Board of Trustees, teachers and administrators from across the district, the facilities planning committee developed a list of requested items to consider for inclusion in a 2023 bond package. Slidell ISD has been evaluating current facilities and equipment, ongoing enrollment growth and district priorities with the Board of Trustees.

    • Over the past 5 years the district has seen fast growth, averaging 12.8% annual growth (+40 students per year)

    • From Fall 2018-2022, elementary enrollment is up 65% (+92)

    • Secondary enrollment has grown by 61% over the past four years (+79)

    • With a moderate projected growth scenario, Slidell ISD would double in student enrollment within 10 years.

  • 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. In the event that 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.

TAXES

  • Under state law, the dollar amount of school taxes imposed on the residence homestead of a person 65 years of age or older cannot be increased above the amount paid in the first year after the person turned 65 or disabled. You must apply for this exemption.

  • A school district’s tax rate is comprised of two components: the Maintenance & Operations tax (M&O) and the Interest & Sinking tax (I&S). The M&O rate is used to operate the school district, including salaries, utilities, furniture, supplies, food, gas, etc. The I&S rate is used to pay off school construction bonds. Bond sales only affect the I&S rate.

  • If the voters approve the bond, there will be a 25 cent I&S tax increase. If the voters approve the bond, there will be a 25 cent I&S tax impact. For a home worth $100k that would be an impact of $20.83 a month.

    Tax Impact Calculator

  • See Tax Chart here.

  • See the Tax Rate History chart here.

Have a question?

For more information regarding the bond, use the form to submit a question.