The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is seeking a $4.4 billion bond aimed at addressing critical infrastructure and educational needs. Branded as “Renew HISD,” the package would rebuild and modernize over 40 campuses, upgrade HVAC systems, improve campus security and expand early childhood and career and technical education programs.
As the district was preparing the proposal, the Kinder Institute for Urban Research conducted a survey in January to understand public support for education bonds. Results of that survey were shared with district officials, and a follow-up survey was conducted in August to determine whether public support had changed. This brief summarizes the main findings of the January survey with additional discussion of what was learned in the August follow-up survey.
Key findings
- Support for an education bond is high among residents living in HISD, but only if it increases property taxes marginally. Support did not substantially increase between January and August.
- HISD residents overall identified updated campus safety and security measures and additional career and technical education facilities as priorities.
- HISD residents expressed a strong interest in being directly involved in decision making.
- Most respondents agreed that Houston-area public schools need significantly more funding overall to provide a quality education.
Voters living in HISD will decide on the proposed bond on the November ballot.
