Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
McAllen City Commissioner Tony Aguirre has publicly expressed support for McAllen Independent School District Proposition A, a $335 million bond measure scheduled for a May 2, 2026, election.
In a public statement, Aguirre framed his position through personal ties to the district, identifying himself as a McAllen High School alumnus, the parent of three district graduates, and the grandfather of two future students. “No one wants to pay more property taxes—including me,” Aguirre said, while adding that “we all want to live in strong, vibrant, and thriving communities.”
Aguirre emphasized that property tax bills are determined by both appraised property values and tax rates set by local entities. He noted that even if tax rates remain unchanged, rising property values can increase tax bills. According to district officials, Proposition A would not raise the current overall tax rate.
The proposed bond focuses on infrastructure and long-term capital needs across the district’s 31 campuses. District information states that the measure would fund maintenance, repairs, safety upgrades, and modernization efforts to address aging facilities and enrollment growth.
Of the $335 million proposal, approximately $103.19 million is allocated to capital improvements, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning repairs and replacements, roof repairs at more than 16 campuses, and site paving and drainage work. Additional upgrades include districtwide LED lighting and HVAC control systems.
The largest portion, $117.69 million, is designated for modernizing and aligning learning spaces. Plans include expansions of career and technical education, cafeteria updates, and campus refresh projects at high schools and other campuses.
Another $40.39 million is set aside for wellness, safety, and security improvements, such as secure entryways, surveillance cameras, and access control systems. The bond also includes funding for technology infrastructure, classroom additions, and equipment such as buses with safety retrofits.
According to Texas Border Business, the school board unanimously approved placing the bond on the May 2, 2026, ballot. Superintendent Rene Gutierrez stated that aging facilities have led to increasing maintenance costs and operational challenges. The bond, he said, is intended to address those needs while modernizing learning environments without increasing the tax rate.
Aguirre described the proposal as an investment in the community’s future. “Strong schools don’t just serve students; they help protect property values, support local businesses, and build the workforce our economy depends on,” he said.
Early voting for the election runs from April 20 through April 28, 2026.
