HISD assured voters that its $4.4 billion bond proposal would not increase taxes, yet the ballot wording appears to indicate otherwise. According to political experts, both statements are technically correct.
Earlier this month, HISD Superintendent Mike Miles addressed props A and B with ABC13, stating, “We’ve had five different financial institutions review it, and around $5 billion is the threshold we can reach without raising taxes.” Miles emphasized that the funds, designated for schools, infrastructure, and technology, wouldn’t lead to higher tax rates.
However, the district’s website and ballot label this as a property tax increase, causing concern for some voters. “Angry,” expressed voter Joyce Harris. “Even though he says it’s not a tax increase, it will be because we’re in a school district.”
For others, the issue is less personal. “I’m a renter,” said Dayton Willis. “It won’t affect my property taxes, but I want to help our schools.”
Rice University political science professor Mark Jones explained that a law passed five years ago mandates that school bond ballots highlight tax impacts, even if tax rates remain unchanged. “Essentially, this means your tax rate might stay the same, but your total tax burden could grow because the bond will need to be repaid through property taxes,” Jones said.
Experts agree this can be confusing for voters, with HISD and the ballot offering seemingly opposing information. Jones clarified, “HISD is correct; your tax rate won’t rise. But the total amount you pay over time will increase as the bond is repaid.”
