Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bond issue? How does a bond issue work?
A bond issue is essentially similar to a mortgage. It is a way for a government body to “borrow” money for major projects that cannot be paid for in more direct ways. Bond issues are how the Calcasieu Parish School Board has traditionally financed school construction, expansion, and renovation.
(Example for a $40M Bond Issue)
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If voters approve, borrowing the money is authorized as well as the levy of a property tax for 20 years.
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After the approval, CPSB will sell $40M in bonds and put the money in a separate account dedicated specifically for the construction associated with the bond issue.
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Projects will be bid and completed in phases to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption and pricing.
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Taxes are collected over the next 20 years to pay off the principal and interest on the bonds.
If the total assessed values increase, the tax paid by each individual can actually decrease. The “tax rate” for property taxes is called a “millage” and it is charged on a percent of the assessed value of the property.
Who is eligible to vote? Who will be paying?
The eligible voters are the residents of Bonding District 25, which is essentially the attendance zone of Iowa High School. Maps are available here on the CPSB website. The taxes would be levied on the assessed value of all residential property (after homestead exemption) and all commercial and industrial property including inventories. Businesses and industries pay at a higher rate than residences and they pay on much higher assessed values.
What is the process for determining projects to be completed?
An appointed architect visited Iowa High, J.I. Watson, and LeBleu Settlement to meet with school administrators and other stakeholders to assess building needs and establish project estimates. Projects are reviewed for necessity and consistency. All estimates are added together to determine the total amount of the bond issue necessary.
What will this cost me?
All voters can utilize our Property Tax Calculator to see what this bond expense would be for their family. Monthly costs for some selected home values are listed below.
Home Value Monthly Cost
$75,000 $0.00
$150,000 $15.94
$225,000 $31.88
$300,000 $47.81
Why weren’t any of these projects covered in hurricane repairs?
While CPSB facilities did receive a large amount of damage during the hurricanes, FEMA only allows us to return the facilities to their original condition. Improvements or additions to existing buildings, or building new buildings would not be covered under hurricane repairs. Additions such as these are funded with bond issues.
What about the bond passed in our district in 2013? What did that cover? Is this bond a renewal of that bond?
Multiple projects were covered under the last bond, passed in 2013, however the bulk of that funding went to build the 6th - 8th grade campus alongside the high school. The middle school built with the last bond serves all students in bonding district 25, as does the high school. In addition, LeBleu Settlement Elementary received a new gymnasium/auditorium. J.I. Watson Elementary received renovations, bathroom additions, improved walkways, and more. Iowa High School also received some improvements including safety and security upgrades, science lab renovations, restroom upgrades, and more. This bond is not a renewal of that bond, as bonds aren’t renewed by the school district. The millage for the bond approved in 2013 will expire in 2033. At that time, only this bond will remain if it were to pass.
I don’t have any children who attend CPSB schools, nor do I have any connections to the district. How would this benefit me?
Improvements made to our schools benefit everyone in District 25. Better school facilities equate to increased property values for everyone in the area. Additionally, CPSB facilities are often used for events that are not sponsored by CPSB schools and serve the entire community.
What projects will relate to safety and security?
Several projects on this bond issue relate to safety and security. At several campuses, security door and camera upgrades will be implemented. These upgrades help to ensure that our campuses are as safe as possible for our students and staff.
Why are you proposing a new tax now? What happens if it fails?
Bond issues can only be called for voters to approve at set times of the year. District 25 has several improvements that need to be completed to make the educational experience of our students the best it can be. Major capital projects like adding additional buildings, additional parking and stack roads, and major renovations are funded through bond issues. If the bond issue fails, these projects will not be able to be completed.
My children attend private schools. How would this benefit me?
Even if your children attend private schools, passing the bond issue in District 25 will benefit you. Property values in an area increase as school values increase. Raising the property values in an area benefits everyone that lives in that bonding district. Additionally, CPSB facilities are occasionally utilized by private schools as well as CPSB students.
What is a Batter’s Eye?
A batter's eye is a solid-colored, dark backdrop (usually black or green) located in center field of a baseball stadium, designed to enhance player safety and performance. It provides a clean, unobstructed background, allowing hitters to track the white ball against the pitcher's mound. This improves visual tracking of the ball's speed and trajectory.