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Dear HPISD Community,
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, the Highland Park ISD Board of Trustees unanimously called for a November bond referendum.
In the past year, the District completed two studies. First, a facilities assessment study highlighted several critical maintenance and safety concerns, such as the aging HVAC chiller and piping systems at MIS and HPMS. Second, a budget optimization study identified strategic opportunities to make more operating funds available for teacher salaries, which continue to lag behind neighboring districts due to recapture and other constraints within the state funding formulas.
To help identify the District’s most strategic priorities, the Board formed a Community Advisory Committee of 23 HPISD stakeholders that included parents, business leaders, and community members. The group met throughout the spring to evaluate the District’s needs. After careful study and debate, the Committee recommended a $137.3 million bond package to the Board.
The 2024 Highland Park ISD bond proposal is a community-driven plan that will address critical maintenance and safety concerns, free up dollars in the operating budget to increase teacher compensation, position our district with flexibility to address future facility needs through land procurement, and allow for other district and campus improvements.
The proposed bond will impact every student and teacher without increasing the current tax rate. Accelerated paydown of previous debt and a growing tax base has given HPISD capacity for additional bonds. The debt service, and overall, tax rate will not increase, regardless of the election’s outcome. Homeowners over 65, who qualify for the homestead tax ceiling, will have no increase to their annual school district taxes unless new improvements are made to their homestead. Plus, 100% of bond dollars will stay in HPISD.
To find more detailed information regarding the Highland Park ISD bond proposal, please click here. We encourage you to be informed and to exercise your right to vote.
Gratefully,
Maryjane Bonfield, President
Bryce Benson, Vice-President
Jae Ellis, Secretary
Doug Woodward, Finance Officer
Pete Flowers, Trustee
Blythe Koch, Trustee
Ellen Lee, Trustee
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