Here’s a full list of education-related measures on the May 3 ballot and what you need to know before heading to the polls.
Early voting starts on April 22 and ends on April 29. Election day is May 3.
Several school districts are asking residents within their boundaries to elect members to serve on its school boards, while Alamo Colleges District, East Central ISD and Floresville ISD aim to pass bonds to fund growth and development projects.
School bond measures and candidates for school boards need a simple majority vote to pass and get elected into office. While districts can decide whether board members are elected through plurality, majority or cumulative voting, bonds only need a simple majority to pass.
A bill introduced by the Texas legislature in February could threaten the ability of municipal bodies like counties and school districts to collect money from tax-increase proposals.
The bill, which is backed by Gov. Greg Abbott, would require any measures asking for bonds or tax increases by local governing bodies to receive at least two-thirds approval. If passed, the legislation would make it extremely difficult for the city, county and local school districts to pass any measure asking voters for money to provide basic services, school policy and tax experts said.
To know which school district you reside in, visit the Texas Education Agency’s school district locator map and type in your address.
Sample ballots aren’t out yet, but you can find out if you are registered to vote and who represents you by visiting the Bexar County’s Election Department’s website.
Alamo Colleges District bond proposal
Alamo Colleges District is asking voters to approve a bond measure of $987 million for upgrades, construction and equipment for all five of its campuses.
In January, the district’s board of trustees said the bond money is needed to address the “growing educational and workforce demands” in a county that’s expected to hit 2.5 million residents by 2040.
The district also predicts its enrollment will increase from 79,000 to 100,000 by the fall of 2029.
If passed, the bond would be divided into three areas: $535 million would go to new and expanded programs, $247 million for infrastructure and the remaining $205 million for “multi-sector” investments. The district also anticipates issuing the voter-approved bonds in multiple installments over several years, projected to result in no tax rate increase for Alamo Colleges District taxpayers.
For a more in-depth breakdown of the planned uses for the bond money, visit the Alamo Colleges District website.
To find which Alamo Colleges District you reside in, visit Bexar County’s precinct finder, and type in your street address or zip code.
East Central ISD bond proposal
East Central Independent School District is also proposing a bond measure of $309 million to begin construction on three new schools.
If passed, the 8-cent property tax rate increase associated with the bond would not take effect until 2027. By then, the district predicts several of its campuses will face over-enrollment, but the bond proposal prioritizes building new schools in high-growth areas to meet the demand.
While the district currently has a student enrollment of 11,622, East Central ISD’s enrollment is projected to balloon to 25,617 by 2033.
Last year, voters rejected three bond propositions that would’ve unlocked $347.8 million for the district to upgrade aging school and sports facilities, make teacher pay more competitive, fund armed security officers and pay for the construction of three new schools.
Floresville ISD bond proposal
Floresville Independent School District is asking voters to approve a $95 million bond for the maintenance of security and technology measures, a new intermediate school for fifth- and sixth-graders, additions to career and technical training programs in high schools and middle schools and upgrades to middle school weight rooms.
If approved, the bond would be funded with an estimated increase of 23 cents to the current interest and sinking rate. The district’s total tax rate currently stands at $0.89 per $100 of appraised value.
Alamo Heights ISD school board races
Alamo Heights Independent School District is holding elections for Places 1, 2 and 4 on the board of trustees.
The district has a seven-member board of trustees who serve on staggered three-year terms. Electoral races for Places 1 and 2 are on schedule, but Place 4 is on the ballot to complete the term vacated by a previous board member who left before their term expired. Place 4 will have another election in May 2026 for a full 3-year term.
Only one candidate has filed to run for each of the three places on the ballot.
Judson ISD school board races
Judson Independent School District’s electoral races aim to fill positions on the board of trustees for single-member districts 2, 3, 4 and 5.
According to the district’s website, two candidates have filed to run for each of the four races.
The board consists of seven members, two who are elected at large and five who are elected from single-member districts. Terms for board members last four years, and a third of trustees have terms that expire each year.
San Antonio ISD school board races
Races for single-member districts 1, 3, 4 and 7 of San Antonio Independent School District will be on May’s ballot for local residents.
To see the order in which board member candidates will appear on the ballot, visit SAISD’s candidate filing page.
Southwest ISD school board races
Southwest Independent School District is holding races for two “at-large” positions on their board of trustees. Board members serve three-year staggered terms.
Incumbents whose terms are expired, but still eligible for reelection, are running against two other candidates.
Medina Valley ISD school board races
Medina Valley Independent School District is holding two general election races for single-member districts 3 and 4, while also holding a special election for single-member District 1.
The district’s board of trustees serve three-year terms, and five are elected from single-member districts while two are elected at large.
The candidate elected for single-member District 1 will only serve two years, and the seat will be up for grabs again. Incumbent trustee for District 1 Benito Juarez is the only candidate who’s filed to run.
Comal ISD school board races
Residents of Comal Independent School District will see two board of trustee elections on their May ballots. The district is holding elections for single-member districts 6 and 7.
Comal ISD has a seven-member board of trustees. Each trustee is elected separately from the single-member district in which they reside.
Incumbents for both seats are running for reelection against one opponent in each of their respective races. Once elected, members will serve three-year terms.
