The first in a series of community events on the Frisco ISD tax ratification election and bond proposition is Wednesday at Staley Middle School beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“It will be an opportunity for residents to learn more about the recommendations made by the Facilities & Programs Evaluation Committee,” Frisco ISD assistant director of communications Meghan Cone said via email. “There will also be an opportunity for those in attendance to ask questions.”

The forum comes after the district proposed a 13 cent property tax increase, along with a 15 cent decrease to the interest and sinking tax rate, resulting in a two cent deduction.

“What we’re proposing is an overall tax swap and tax decrease,” Frisco ISD Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip said in an exclusive interview with Wingspan. “So basically, what it lays out for the voter is they’re voting, they will be voting for a bond if our board approves it, and they would be voting for a tax increase. But what the board will do if both measures pass is they’ll actually decrease part of the tax rate. So overall, the homeowner will see a two cent drop in their tax rate as applied to their home values. So they’ll see a decrease in their school taxes with these two measures.”

Beyond the TRE, there will also be a $691 million bond to finance constructing new schools, maintenance and security.

“Frisco ISD has been the largest or the fastest growing school district in the state of Texas for decades,” Frisco ISD Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip said in an exclusive interview with Wingspan. “We’ve added thousands of students every year. And to keep pace with that growth, we’ve had to build facilities to house all students that are coming to us to educate. This is just a continuation of that process. Because Frisco continues to grow. Families continue to move to Frisco. They live in the community, send their kids to school in Frisco ISD. So with regard to the bond issue, it’s just a continuation of what we’ve done for years. We’re proposing funds to build new high schools, new middle schools and elementary schools to expand the CTE Center, to expand programs to offer more opportunities for students. So it’s really a continuation of what we’ve been doing for years.”

For those that can’t attend Wednesday’s forum, a livestream will be available.