Community of Melissa Approves $80 School Bond
In February of 2004, residents of Melissa approved an $80 million school bond proposal for Melissa ISD by over 77%. The total vote showed 359 votes “for” the bond to 115 “against”. The funds will be used to build 3 elementary schools; renovate existing facilities; technology upgrades; a football and track stadium and land acquisition.
Secondary School Expansion - $12,020,000
New High School - $28,869,000
Renovate
Purchase 2
3 New Elementary Schools - $32,870,000
New Stadium - $ 2,200,000
Technology Plan - $ 756,000
Existing Facility Renovations - $ 820,000
Total Bond Package - $80,000,000
Why was the bond election necessary? Annual growth projections show that the enrollment in Melissa ISD will reach 3,000 students in the very near future.
Though the District does not need the full $80 million immediately, it needs the flexibility to sell bonds quickly as the needs grow each year. Understanding that Melissa ISD is expected to experience rapid growth within the next 3 to 5 years, calling several individual bond elections over the next few years in response to rising needs would not allow Melissa ISD officials to plan appropriately and open new schools in time. This bond election asked the voters to authorize Melissa ISD officials to sell bonds as needed up to but not to exceed $80 million. If the growth does not occur as expected, the bonds will not be sold.
How was the need for this bond election determined? A Citizens Committee was formed to analyze the District’s needs in terms of facilities. A diverse, representative group of the Melissa community began meeting with District officials several months prior to the Board calling the election. This group met regularly to analyze such things as current facility status, projected enrollment and growth rates, funding options, and construction costs. It then made its recommendations to the District, which were put before the Melissa community in the form of a bond election in February 2004.
How did the bond election affect grade configuration?
The new high school is scheduled to begin construction when we have 1,900 students district wide. Once the new high school is open, the current secondary school will then be converted into a junior high school serving grades 7-8. Melissa Ridge Elementary will then become an intermediate school serving grades 5-6. Ultimately, once the bond plan has been implemented, the Melissa ISD grade configuration plan will be as follows:
K-4 Elementary School
5-6 Intermediate School
7-8 Junior High School
9-12 High School
What was the tax impact on seniors? 
School taxes on resident homesteads are frozen in the year that a taxpayer turns 65 years of age and will not increase as a result of this school bond election. Senior citizens also receive an additional $10,000 mandatory homestead exemption. It is important to note that senior citizens must request this status in order for their taxes to be frozen. This request is made through the Collin County Central Appraisal District (Section 11.26 of the State Property Tax Code)