The Bridge City ISD Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a $27.5 million bond program to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center at Bridge City High School. The bond election will take place on May 3, 2025. Significantly, this initiative will be funded without increasing the district’s tax rate.
Recognizing the financial challenges facing public schools—including stagnant state funding since 2019, rising inflation, and unfunded mandates—Bridge City ISD has strategically structured this bond program to ensure fiscal responsibility. By leveraging the Interest & Sinking (I&S) portion of the tax rate, the district can finance this major facility investment while protecting its Maintenance & Operations (M&O) budget, which supports teacher salaries and daily operations.
Maximizing Taxpayer Investment Without Raising the Tax Rate
Bridge City ISD’s ability to pursue this bond stems from significant industrial growth in the area. Companies like Golden Triangle Polymers and Entergy contribute to an expanded tax base, enabling the district to invest in critical infrastructure without increasing the tax burden on residents.
While Texas House Bill 3 (86th Legislature) mandates that all bond election ballot language state “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE,” Bridge City ISD affirms that its tax rate will remain unchanged. This reflects the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while ensuring students have access to modern, future-ready facilities.
A New Hub for the Arts and Community
The Performing Arts Center will be a 1,300-seat facility located behind the Career & Technical Education (CTE) building at Bridge City High School. Superintendent Dr. Mike Kelly emphasized the center’s value, stating:
“The Performing Arts Center would seat approximately 1,300 people, and it would be located behind the new CTE building. It could be used for BCISD but also for other events and competitions.”
The district believes this investment will enhance student opportunities in fine arts, music, theater, and community engagement while positioning Bridge City ISD as a leader in education and extracurricular development.
