Houston, TX – New documents reveal that if the proposed Houston Independent School District school bonds are passed in November, Harris County taxpayers could face an estimated $9 billion tax increase over the next 30 years. This revelation contradicts previous public statements from HISD indicating that the bonds would not raise taxes.
The documents, released by Community Voices for Public Education (CVPE), highlight that with interest payments included, taxpayers will be responsible for paying nearly $9 billion. The proposed bond measure, intended to fund school infrastructure and improvements, has sparked significant debate over its potential financial impact on residents.
Ruth Kravetz, co-founder of CVPE, voiced strong opposition to the bond proposal, describing it as an unprecedented financial burden.
“HISD’s unelected board is pushing a bond that will saddle millions of taxpayers with the largest school bond debt and related tax increase in history,” Kravetz said.
She also criticized HISD Superintendent Mike Miles, claiming that his leadership and connections to the Third Future Schools Charter Network, which is under investigation, raise concerns about the effective use of taxpayer money.
The opposition argues that approving the bond would give too much financial control without sufficient oversight, which could negatively affect local school funding and student services. Instead, they are calling for elected officials to regain control of the district and ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds.
Last week, The Houston Landing confirmed the $9 billion figure in a report analyzing the tax implications of the bond proposal. The report pointed to additional debt service from a previously supported school bond, adding to the total cost for taxpayers.
The bond’s potential financial impact has become a central issue as the November vote approaches, with critics urging voters to consider the long-term consequences of the proposal. Proponents argue that the bonds are necessary to fund critical updates to HISD schools and improve educational infrastructure for future generations.
