Oakwood ISD Calls for May Bond Election
During a Special Board Meeting held this week, the Oakwood Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a bond election to be included on the May 2, 2026, ballot. The proposed bond would fund improvements identified by stakeholders which align with the long-term strategic plan of the district to maintain and update its facilities to provide the best possible education experience for its students.
The bond election will include two propositions, each voted as a separate item in the election. Voters would need to vote YES or NO for each of the propositions.
Proposition A
Proposition A ($3,400,000) would include district-wide improvements to the existing facilities including:
New Elementary roof and new Elementary playground
Painting and flooring refresh in Elementary
New Fencing and Safety and Security Updates - Elementary
New STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) classrooms
Flooring, ceiling, painting and updates in High School
Exterior Updates / Painting - High School
Additional cameras and safety and Security Updates District wide
Ag restroom remodel / Ag Equipment
Lipsey Gym restroom and locker room updates
Lighting and infield turf on the baseball and softball field
HVAC Updates District wide
Additional Technology and Technology infrastructure districtwide
Proposition A would not raise the current I&S tax rate for Oakwood ISD. It would maintain the same low $0.1844 tax rate that Oakwood ISD has had for many years. This is possible because of the increased tax base generated by the economic development in our area.
Proposition B
Proposition B ($9,100,000) would include the building of a new multi-purpose facility that would include a new gym, locker rooms, restrooms, storage, etc. This facility would be built next to the new football field and would be designed to maximize the space and functionality of the site while planning for the future with a design that affords the ability to tie in a new High School at a later time.
Proposition B would result in a $0.15 increase to the current I&S tax rate for Oakwood ISD. The Oakwood ISD Board of Trustees designed the Bond Proposal to address current needs while taking advantage of recent economic development. While this project would result in a small tax increase, Oakwood ISD continues to have one of the lowest I&S tax rates in the area. The addition of the solar farm project to the taxable base allows the tax rate to be significantly less to build this project.
Oakwood ISD will hold three town hall meetings to discuss the 2026 Bond Proposition. We encourage all interested parties to attend and get the information you need to make an informed decision. The town hall meetings will take place at 5:30 pm in the Oakwood High School Auditorium on the following dates:
Thursday, February 26
Thursday, March 12
Thursday, April 16
Bond informational brochures are currently being made and should be available soon. Early voting will be April 20-28 on weekdays from 8am to 5pm at the Oakwood ISD Administrative building. The general election is on Saturday, May 2 from 7am to 7pm at the Oakwood ISD Administrative building.
TAX RATE IMPACT
Proposition A will not increase the tax rate, so the current tax rate of $0.1844 will be maintained.
Proposition B will increase the I&S tax rate by $0.15. The result of that potential increase is displayed in the charts below. These charts are only reflective of Proposition B, as Proposition A will not change the tax rate.
According to the Leon County tax office, the average home price in Oakwood ISD is approximately $143,000. The current Homestead exemption is $140,000. The resulting tax change by the passage of Proposition B on the average home in Oakwood ISD would be about $4.50 a year. A $200,000 home would see about a $90 a year increase for Proposition B. Ag land tax rate impacts are also displayed above.
If anyone has additional questions, please feel free to email Oakwood ISD Superintendent Russell Holden at rholden@oakwoodisd.net or call the office at 903-545-2600.