Since May 2 when voters passed a $335 million dollar bond, things have been unfolding rapidly.
The next step was the selling of the first $100 million in bonds. This took place from August 11-September 8. During this window, our new Bond Oversight Committee met for the first time. The 15-member committee includes community members and one district teacher. They will meet periodically to review progress of the bond and make recommendations.
Next comes the hiring of a Bond Project Manager. Eight firms submitted proposals and were interviewed by our School Board this week. An announcement will come soon.
Throughout this process, McAllen ISD has remained firm in keeping its commitment to taxpayers while forging ahead with plans to modernize the school district through the bond.
The district is maintaining its total tax rate at approximately 93 cents per $100 of assessed property value, the same rate the district pledged to maintain prior to voter approval of the 2026 bond.
The McAllen ISD Board of Trustees adopted a total tax rate of $0.9322 per $100 of assessed value, allowing the district to move forward with the voter-approved $335 million bond program without increasing the district’s overall tax rate.
Prior to the bond election, McAllen ISD communicated to voters that the district could fund the proposed improvements while maintaining the 93-cent tax rate. Following voter approval, that commitment remains in place.
Our community placed its trust in us, and we take that responsibility seriously. We said from the beginning that we could make these important investments in our schools while maintaining our overall tax rate. We are proud to keep that commitment while continuing to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.
The bond will fund projects across the district, including campus modernization, Career and Technical Education expansion, safety and security enhancements, fine arts facilities, classroom additions and critical infrastructure improvements such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), roofing, lighting and drainage.
At $0.9322, McAllen ISD’s total tax rate is the second lowest among school districts in Hidalgo County, reflecting the district’s continued focus on financial responsibility and long-term planning.
The district was positioned to maintain the rate in part because it strategically paid down its previous voter-approved debt. In May 2026, McAllen ISD paid off all outstanding voter-approved debt from its previous bond program, creating additional debt capacity for the new bond without raising the overall tax rate.
The district has already begun issuing the bonds in phases, an approach designed to borrow funds as projects move forward rather than paying interest on money before it is needed. The first bond issuance also secured an interest rate below the rate originally used for planning purposes, reducing the projected long-term cost to taxpayers.
While McAllen ISD sets the school district tax rate, individual property tax bills may still change based on property appraisals and applicable exemptions. Property values are determined by the Hidalgo County Appraisal District, not McAllen ISD.
For McAllen ISD, maintaining the 93-cent rate represents more than a financial milestone—it reflects a commitment made and a commitment kept.
Same tax rate. New investments. A promise kept.
McAllen ISD remains all in on responsible financial stewardship, transparency and investing in the future of every student.
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Dr. Rene Gutierrez is the Superintendent of Schools for McAllen ISD.