The Citizens Advisory Committee was composed of local civic leaders, campus staff, parents, and students. They shared their opinions, perspectives, and concerns with district representatives and with one another regularly over the a three month period. 

All committee members were able to ask questions, express their opinions, and offer suggestions and recommendations throughout the process. They reviewed and analyzed the demographics, growth and enrollment patterns, tax impact scenarios, district finances, educational programs, and the current and long-term needs of the district.  

This proposal is based on their recommendation. 

The Board of Trustees charged the Citizens Advisory Committee to uphold Friendswood ISD's Strategic Plan by: 

• Keep every student at the center of all decisions - "Every student has the right to a safe learning environment."  

• Provide opportunities for relevant, authentic, and engaged learning - "Through authentic experiences, FISD will graduate confident learners." 

• Consider projects that provide opportunities for caring and collaborative learning environments for all students - "Students learn best and succeed in a space where they feel heard, seen, and connected." 

• Consider projects that support positive relationships that engage and inspire all learners - "Student-teacher relationships are key to student success." 

• Provide opportunities that support all students' dreams, needs, and aspirations - "Student learning should be meaningful and relevant." 

• Use facts, data, and financial resources to make informed decisions about district and facility priorities.   

 

The committee then prioritized those needs and developed a package to present to the board. 

 

The committee members chose all the projects included in the bond through a voting process, and this bond package is based on their recommendations. 

Every Student in Friendswood ISD will be impacted by the projects in this proposal. The Projects in the 2025 Bond Proposal will upgrade aging facilities, fund new construction, and expand opportunities for every student in FISD.

 

Proposition A: General ($154.75 Million)

• Westwood & Bales Replacement Campus 

• Priority 1 Maintenance Upgrades

• Career and Technology Education Expansions and Upgrades

• UIL Extracurricular Program Upgrades 

• Safety & Security Improvements

• Transportation Safety Upgrades-  Including New Buses

Pictured above: Agricultural Science Barn & Goat Track

Proposition B: Technology ($2 Million)

• District-wide upgrade of the student data and finance management systems 

• Off-site backup storage 

• Replacement and refresh of on-campus technology infrastructure

 

Proposition C: Athletic Fields ($4.25 Million)

• Softball and Baseball Field Upgrades

• Practice Turf Upgrades at Friendswood High to be used by Fine Arts and Athletics 

 

Proposition D: Tax Note Refinance ($4 Million)

• Issue $4,000,000 in bonds to refinance Friendswood ISD’s Maintenance Tax Notes. This is similar to refinancing a home loan. The refinancing will be paid back over time. 

 Overview of Proposition A projects:

• Westwood & Bales Replacement Campus 

• Safety and Security lifecycle replacements at all campuses 

• CTE improvements and upgrades

• Athletic facilities upgrades that impact hundreds of students every day 

• Transportation Replacement Buses

• Priority Maintenance Projects 

• Inclusive playgrounds to better serve students with special needs

 

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the projects:

 

Westwood & Bales Replacement Campus 

• Consolidates two campuses into one PK-5 comprehensive campus  

• Capacity for 1200 students 

• Safety & Security Updates Including Lighting, Cameras, and Hardware 

• One building vs two buildings  

• Efficient procedures for arrival & dismissal

• One visitor check-in area - streamlined for siblings between campuses  

• Accountability during emergencies for students and staff 

• Classroom renovations that can be reconfigured for different activities  

• Open-concept spaces for collaboration and innovation 

• Multi-use common areas that blend classroom, library, and social spaces (media spaces, learning commons) 

• Early Childhood Special Education capacity will be increased 

• Spaces designed for self-paced and project-based learning 

• Dedicated STEM and STEAM labs that encourage hands-on experience 

• Glass and/or movable walls to allow for "visible and inspired" learning  

• Green spaces and outdoor classrooms or learning spaces 

• Co-working spaces for students, educators, and community partners  

• Maker spaces, innovation labs, and career pathways hubs 

• Spaces to allow for and nurture partnerships with local businesses and universities for mentorship and internships

 

Priority 1 Maintenance Upgrades 

• Friendswood High School  

  • Safety/Security lifecycle updates   

  • HVAC, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing upgrades  

  • Accessibility upgrades across campus 

• Friendswood Junior High 

  • Safety/Security lifecycle updates 

  • HVAC, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing upgrades 

• Administration and Administration Annex Buildings 

  • Safety/Security lifecycle updates  

  • Electrical and Plumbing lifecycle updates  

  • Roof Replacement 

  • Accessibility upgrades  

• Support Services Buildings 

  • Safety/Security lifecycle updates  

  • Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing lifecycle updates  

 

Career and Technology Education 

• Construction of a new Agricultural Science Center to expand student course options and opportunities in the following programs: 

  • Horticulture  

  • Greenhouse 

  • Orchard  

  • Ag Mechanics 

  • Floral Design 

  • Wildlife and Fisheries 

• Expanded cross-curricular programs with culinary or business/marketing/finance 

• Expanded space in the Ag barn to accommodate current and future demand 

• Upgrades would impact more than 500 Ag students  

 

UIL Extracurricular Program Upgrades 

• Locker room spaces for eight sports 

• Training room upgrades 

• Fieldhouse upgrades 

• Additional auxiliary turf field to be used by Fine Arts and Athletics 

• Cheer gym to allow for on-campus practices 

• Facility upgrades would impact more than 1100 students at Friendswood High, School

 

Inclusive Playgrounds

• Playgrounds will be added to FJH & FHS
• Add spaces to all playgrounds to better serve students with special needs
• Shock absorbing and slip-resistant surface to allow easy movement for mobility devices, strollers, and crutches 
• Equipment designed to promote both physical growth and social development by providing a wide range of play opportunities

Propositon B- Technology ($ 2 million)

• District-wide upgrade of the student data and finance management systems
• Off-site backup storage
• Replacement and refresh of on-campus technology infrastructure

Proposition C- Athletic Turf for Baseball & Softball Fields ($4.25 Million)

• Softball and Baseball Field Upgrades

Proposition D- Tax Note Refinance ($4 million)

• Issue $4m in bonds to refinance FISD’s maintenance & tax notes
  • this is similar to refinancing a home loan- the refinancing will be paid back over time
• This will free up money in the district’s operational budget

Friendswood ISD has reduced the overall tax rate by 35.7 cents in the last ten years. 

• The bond package recommended by the Citizens Advisory Committee is $165,000,000 

• FISD tax rate is the lowest it's been in 40 years 

• The projects in this bond will allow for infrastructure upgrades without impacting the District's M&O budget 

• Since 2016, the district has reduced the overall tax rate by 35.7 cents, dropping the total tax rate from $1.387 to the current rate of $1.03 

• Friendswood ISD has consistently earned a Superior rating from the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas 

• Friendswood ISD earned an "AA" long-term rating from S&P Global Ratings and is considered financially stable and capable of repaying its debts 

• Construction costs increase every year. In some cases, these costs can increase by as much as 10% annually. Delaying projects by just one year could increase the cost to taxpayers 

Questions about the Bond

1. Why is FISD calling this bond now?  

The Citizens Advisory Committee decided it was time to upgrade aging facilities and provide the additional space needed to expand course and program offerings for our growing student population.

2. Are all these projects necessary?

Every project selected by our Citizens Advisory Committee is based on a need they identified during the months-long facilities planning process. Every project was chosen by a majority of committee members.

3. What safety improvements will be in this proposal?

This proposal will update safety, security, and emergency service capabilities districtwide, including surveillance cameras, servers, alert systems, and more.

4. Does the State provide additional funds for ISD construction projects?  

The State of Texas does not help pay for construction projects.  

5. How can bond money be spent?  

Bond funds can be used to pay for new buildings, additions, and renovations to existing facilities, as well as land acquisition, technology infrastructure, and equipment for new or existing buildings. Bonds cannot be used for salaries or operating costs such as utilities, supplies, building maintenance, fuel, and insurance.  

6. How are bonds repaid? 

Friendswood ISD levies an Interest and Sinking fund rate. The I&S rate can only be used to repay debt. 

 

Questions about Taxes

1. What is Friendswood ISD’s current I&S tax rate? 

Friendswood ISD's current total tax rate is $1.03, the lowest it has been in a decade. In fact, the district tax rate has been lowered by 35.7 cents since 2016. 

2. How long will it take to pay back this bond package? 

Friendswood ISD plans to repay the bonds over a 30-year period, similar to a home mortgage.  

3. Has Friendswood ISD been recognized as a good steward of tax dollars?  

Friendswood ISD earned a Superior rating from the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas for the last five years. Superior is the highest rating given by FIRST.  

4. What if I am over 65 years old and receive the senior citizen exemption, and my home value goes up, will my taxes increase?  

If you are a senior citizen  and receive the Person Age 65 or Older Homestead Exemption, this proposal WILL NOT increase your taxes above your current exemption ceiling.

 

Questions about Voting

1. When is the election? 

Early voting for the Friendswood ISD 2025 bond elections begins on Monday, October 20, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

2. Where do I vote? 

You can visit https://galvestonvotes.org/election-information/current-and-upcoming-elections/  for more information on where and when to vote.  

3. Can I view a sample ballot? 

The Galveston County Elections Department will post a sample ballot on its website at https://galvestonvotes.org/election-information/current-and-upcoming-elections/    

Early Voting begins on Monday, October 20th

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4th

• Notice of Election, Election Order, Proposition, and Voter Information (English)
• Notice of Election, Election Order, Proposition, and Voter Information (Spanish)
• Sample Ballot (English/Spanish)