Spring Branch ISD is asking voters to weigh in this May on a $631.5 million bond proposal focused entirely on upgrading its athletic facilities—and the Board of Trustees says it’s long overdue.
Recommended Videos
On Wednesday night, the seven-member board voted unanimously to place the bond on the May 3 ballot. If approved, the funding would go toward major renovations and rebuilds across the district’s most well-known sports and performance venues, including all four high schools and three of SBISD’s central athletic facilities.
Here’s a breakdown of the four separate propositions:
- Proposition A would fund major updates to athletic facilities at Memorial, Northbrook, Spring Woods, and Stratford high schools.
- Proposition B targets renovations and additions for Darrell Tully Stadium (built in 1966) and Don Coleman Coliseum (built in 1974).
- Proposition C proposes moving and rebuilding the district’s natatorium—W.W. Emmons, built in 1975—just north of Tully Stadium at 1050 Dairy Ashford.
- Proposition D focuses on Reggie Grob Stadium, SBISD’s oldest athletic facility, which dates back to 1952.
Board President Lisa Andrews Alpe says these updates aren’t just cosmetic—they’re critical for student success and safety.
“These are the places our community gathers,” Alpe said. “Whether it’s a football game, a band performance, or a drill team competition, these facilities showcase our students’ talents. But right now, they’re simply outdated.”
The district worked with architects, engineers, and athletic staff to assess what was needed. Input also came from an Athletics and Arts Stakeholder Committee that included students, parents, and community partners.
According to SBISD, more than 7,600 secondary students participated in at least one athletic activity during the 2023–24 school year. Another 750 were involved in high school band, cheer, or drill teams, all of which rely on athletic spaces for performances.
Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Blaine says the bond is about keeping SBISD competitive—both academically and athletically.
“With public school funding where it is today, reinvesting in our spaces matters,” Blaine said. “We need to stay competitive—not just in the classroom, but also on the field, on the court, and in the pool.”
So… what would this mean for your taxes?
SBISD’s tax rate hasn’t increased since 2010. If all four bond propositions pass, the most a property owner could see added is about 4.75 cents per $100 of home valuation. For a $500,000 home, that’s an estimated additional $142.50 per year.
And for seniors 65 and older? Nothing changes—your tax rate and amount are frozen by law.
SBISD also points out it currently has the second lowest tax rate among Houston-area districts and offers every tax break allowed by law, including a full 20% local homestead exemption.
What’s next?
Voters will head to the polls on May 3. In the coming weeks, you’ll likely hear more from the district as it rolls out community meetings and resources to explain the bond details.
For now, the message from the board is clear: SBISD wants to honor its legacy of student achievement by investing in the spaces that help make it happen.