District officials emphasized that the bond will be financed without increasing the current tax rate.
BEAUMONT, Texas — Voters in Bridge City Independent School District approved a $27.5 million bond to fund a new Performing Arts Center at Bridge City High School in the May 3, 2025 election. District officials emphasized that the bond will be financed without increasing the current tax rate.
The planned 45,000-square-foot facility will feature a 1,300-seat auditorium for visual and performing arts. Superintendent Dr. Mike Kelly compared the future center to the Julie Rogers Theatre, stating it aligns with the district’s mission to provide equal opportunities for student success.
“This facility will benefit a different group of students,” Dr. Kelly said. “We want our students to have the best facilities, resources, opportunities, and career pathways.”
The bond utilizes the Interest & Sinking (I&S) portion of the district’s tax rate, ensuring that Maintenance & Operations funds used for teacher salaries and daily operations remain unaffected. This funding structure guarantees that 100% of generated revenue stays within Bridge City ISD.
The district’s ability to issue the bond without a tax rate increase is attributed to a growing industrial tax base from investments by companies including Golden Triangle Polymers and Entergy. Officials cited financial challenges facing public schools as background for the investment, including lack of increased state funding since 2019, rising inflation, and unfunded mandates.
Despite no actual tax rate increase, state requirements under HB3 from the 86th Texas Legislature mandated that the ballot include the phrase “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.” District officials repeatedly clarified that the tax rate will remain unchanged.
“This bond is not just about the school district, but first and foremost about the students and also the community,” Dr. Kelly emphasized.
The Bridge City ISD Board of Trustees had unanimously approved placing the bond program on the ballot. Early voting ran from April 22 through April 29, before the May 3 Election Day. Community reactions during the proposal phase were mixed, with some expressing concerns about costs and existing tax levels, while others strongly supported investing in students.
