McAllen, Texas – During its February 10, 2026 meeting, the McAllen Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to call a bond election for May 2, 2026. The proposed $335 million bond is designed to fund safety and security improvements, major facility repairs, classroom capacity improvements, and updated learning environments across the district.
Planned projects include HVAC and roof replacements, security upgrades, classroom additions at growing campuses, Career and Technical Education (CTE) expansions, fine arts improvements, cafeteria updates, and elementary gym facility improvements.
The District anticipates that the current overall tax rate of $0.93 will remain at $0.93, and that an increase to the overall tax rate to support the Bond is not anticipated.
The proposal reflects the work of a Facilities Forecast Advisory Committee composed of parents, staff, and community members who began meeting in May 2025. 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.” Dr. Rene Gutierrez, McAllen ISD Superintendent.
“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.” McAllen ISD Board President, Trustee Aaron Rivera.
Project Investments
The bond program is organized into five investment areas:
Modernizations & Alignment ($117.69 Million): CTE expansions, cafeteria updates, and campus refresh projects at the district’s comprehensive high schools and selected elementary and middle schools.
Wellness, Safety & Security ($40.39 Million): Secure front entries, districtwide cameras and access control, and elementary gym facilities.
Fine Arts Multi-Purpose Buildings ($35.0 Million): Fine arts improvements and dedicated mariachi program spaces at all three comprehensive high schools.
District Equity & Growth ($38.73 Million): Classroom additions at Gonzalez Elementary, Milam Elementary, and Morris Middle School to address enrollment and reduce portable classrooms.
Capital Improvements ($103.19 Million): HVAC and roof repairs, site paving and drainage improvements, HVAC control upgrades, and districtwide LED lighting.
Projects span elementary, middle, and high school campuses,
Financial Overview and Tax Impact
The bond maintains McAllen ISD’s current total tax rate, projected at approximately $0.9322 per $100 of assessed value. Overall, the district’s total tax rate has decreased by 22 cents or 20% since 2015. Bonds would be issued in phases from summer 2026 through summer 2029
Individual tax bills may still vary based on property appraisals. 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
April 2, 2026: Last day to register to vote
April 20–28, 2026: Early voting
May 2, 2026: Election Day