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The McAllen Independent School District Board of Trustees voted during its February 10, 2026 meeting to call a bond election scheduled for May 2, 2026. The proposed $335 million bond is intended to fund safety and security improvements, major facility repairs, classroom capacity upgrades, and updated learning environments across the district.
According to the district, planned projects include HVAC and roof replacements, security upgrades, classroom additions at growing campuses, Career and Technical Education expansions, fine arts improvements, cafeteria updates, and elementary gym facility improvements.
District officials said the current overall tax rate is expected to remain at $0.93 and that “an increase to the overall tax rate to support the Bond is not anticipated.” The district added that individual tax bills may vary based on property appraisals.
The proposal follows work by a Facilities Forecast Advisory Committee composed of parents, staff, and community members that began meeting in May 2025. The district noted that bond funds may be used only for facilities and infrastructure and cannot be used for salaries or daily operating expenses.
“More than two years ago, we began efforts to assess the improvements of all our schools for both the present and the future. This was a systematic approach by our staff, parents, and community members,” said McAllen ISD Superintendent Dr. Rene Gutierrez.
Board President Trustee Aaron Rivera said community input shaped the proposal. “We involved our community from the beginning and continued to listen as this proposed bond took shape. Those conversations focused on keeping our schools up to date,” Rivera said.
The bond program is organized into five investment areas. Modernizations and Alignment, totaling $117.69 million, would support CTE expansions, cafeteria updates, and campus refresh projects at the district’s comprehensive high schools and selected elementary and middle schools.
Wellness, Safety, and Security projects account for $40.39 million and include secure front entries, districtwide cameras and access control, and elementary gym facilities. Fine Arts Multi-Purpose Buildings would receive $35 million for improvements and dedicated mariachi program spaces at all three comprehensive high schools.
District Equity and Growth, budgeted at $38.73 million, would fund classroom additions at Gonzalez Elementary, Milam Elementary, and Morris Middle School to address enrollment growth and reduce the use of portable classrooms. Capital Improvements represent $103.19 million and include HVAC and roof repairs, site paving and drainage improvements, HVAC control upgrades, and districtwide LED lighting.
The district stated that projects span elementary, middle, and high school campuses. Bonds would be issued in phases from summer 2026 through summer 2029.
McAllen ISD projects its total tax rate at approximately $0.9322 per $100 of assessed value and reports that the overall tax rate has decreased by 22 cents, or 20 percent, since 2015. Officials said bond funds would be used only for voter-approved capital projects completed over several years and would not affect operating funds or staffing levels.
Key dates for the election include April 2, 2026, as the last day to register to vote, early voting from April 20 through April 28, and Election Day on May 2, 2026.
