AISD school board votes to place $26 million bond on May ballot
The Albany ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted Monday morning to call a $26 million school building bond election, officially setting the issue before voters in May.
The special meeting was held at 8 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, and was called specifically to consider the order calling the bond election. The motion was made by Joe Tidwell and seconded by Ginny Ivy and passed with a 6–0 vote. Trustee Reggy Spencer was absent.
Trustees voting in favor were Matt Bellah, John Gallagher, Ginny Ivy, Kalico Leech, Robert Montgomery, and Joe Tidwell.
If approved by voters, the bond would fund construction of a new, consolidated K–12 campus for Albany ISD, a plan developed over several months by the district’s Long Range Facility Planning Committee.
Background on the
proposal
As previously reported, the Long Range Facility Planning Committee concluded that Albany ISD’s current facilities are no longer safe, functional, or financially sustainable. The committee studied multiple options, including renovating existing buildings and constructing separate elementary and secondary campuses, but found those approaches would cost more while still leaving the district with outdated systems and compromised safety.
The committee unanimously recommended a single-campus K–12 school as the only feasible option within the district’s legal bonding capacity.
The proposed campus would house all students on one site, with separate wings and secured areas to maintain age-appropriate environments for elementary, junior high, and high school students. Shared spaces such as cafeterias, libraries, and support services would improve efficiency while strengthening safety and supervision.
Financial
considerations
During Monday’s meeting, board members and financial advisors discussed the structure and timing of the bond if voters approve it in May.
District officials said the bond would be sold in late July or early August, with the tax rate set later in August based on certified property values. The first bond payment would not be due until February 2027, followed by biannual payments.
The bond is designed to result in an estimated 50-cent increase to the district’s interest and sinking tax rate.
Based on earlier projections presented to the board, the average Albany homestead is valued at approximately $184,033. After applying the $140,000 homestead exemption approved by voters in November 2025, the estimated tax impact for the average homeowner would be about $18.35 per month, or $220.17 per year. Homeowners aged 65 and older would not be affected by the increase.
Financial advisors noted that the board considered calling a higher bond amount but chose $26 million to avoid complications and ensure clarity for voters.
Design and timeline
The district has hired architect C.W. Farris of Harper Perkins Architects to design the new campus and develop cost estimates.
Under the conceptual plan, the new school would connect to the existing gyms and auditorium, which would remain in use and be renovated. Portions of the current high school classroom wing would be removed to allow for improved parking and traffic flow. Original red brick and limestone elements would be incorporated into the new design to reflect Albany’s architectural character.
The project would include new classrooms for all grade levels, updated technology infrastructure, improved security features, and hardened storm shelters built to current ICC-500 standards.
If the bond passes, construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with the new campus projected to open in the fall of 2028.
Next steps
District officials said additional information will be shared with the community in the coming weeks, including public meetings and informational materials explaining the proposal and its impact.
