Voters Face Broad School Bond Referendums

Voters across multiple states are set to decide a broad slate of bond referendums on Nov. 4 to fund schools, local infrastructure and development. Iowa alone has roughly $1.6 billion in bond requests and Idaho has more than $159 million in school-related measures; notable local proposals include Des Moines’ $265 million school modernization plan (estimated to raise property taxes about $200 per year for a $210,000 home), Fairfax County’s $460 million school bond and Loudoun County’s $75M+ bond. In Waco, Texas, the Riverway Municipal Management District — which reportedly contains only two registered voters within its undeveloped boundaries — is asking voters to authorize up to $582 million in bonds to support a planned 1,900-home subdivision. Voter approval typically authorizes a district’s ability to sell bonds rather than requiring immediate issuance; most would be repaid with property taxes and hinge on future taxable value generated by development. Supporters say the measures are needed for facility and program upgrades, while critics warn they raise property-tax burdens; some districts, including Des Moines, have added oversight after recent controversies and several measures are repeat items on the ballot.