Voters Narrowly Reject $60 Million School Bond Proposal

Graham ISD’s school bond proposal was narrowly rejected by voters Nov. 3, denying the district the authorization to borrow $60 million to pay for construction of a new elementary school, as well as safety and security, accessibility and capital improvement projects for GISD schools.

According to canvassed vote totals from Young County Elections, Proposition A on the ballot drew 2,593 votes (51%) against the measure and 2,460 (49%) votes for the measure, a difference of 133 total votes. There were 5,195 ballots cast in this election, which represents about 53% of the 9,735 GISD registered voters. 

It’s been 19 years since Graham ISD voters approved a bond election to address facilities. The 2026 bond proposal would have funded a new elementary campus for all students in grades 1-5 to replace the aging Woodland and Crestview elementary schools. Projects were also identified for Pioneer Elementary, Graham Junior High and Graham High School. The proposal to consolidate from five campuses into four would save the district about $640,000 annually in operating expenses, relief school officials say is necessary to help reduce the district’s operating deficit. 

GISD school officials say they will take some time to study election feedback, other options for consolidating campuses into four buildings and the potential for future elections to address school facilities. 

“We appreciate all those who participated in this election, “ said Superintendent Dr. Mary Johnston. “The fact remains that Graham ISD’s facilities are aging, and these brick and mortar building needs are not going away. Members of our Long-Range Facility Planning Committee dedicated many hours to present a proposal that not only addresses identified projects, but also reduces our operating budget deficit and they did this with a proposal that minimized the impact on the local taxpayer. Unfortunately, the state does not provide facility funding to Graham ISD, nor do we receive enough state funding for major construction, capital improvements and major renovation costs. The only mechanism within the law to allow us to borrow money to pay for these large expenses is a voter-approved school bond election, and Graham ISD has gone nearly two decades without that authorization. This presents significant challenges for us as a district.”

Dr. Johnston said she and the Board of Trustees want to thank all of the students, educators, parents, community leaders and taxpayers who spent the last year studying facility needs and recommending this bond election. The elected Trustees and the Administration will work together to identify next steps forward.