

Celina ISD $2.29 Billion Bond: What It Could Mean for the Future of the District
Key Takeaways From This Article
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Explosive Growth: Celina ISD has doubled in size over the past five years and is projected to more than triple by 2033-34, reaching over 23,000 students.
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Infrastructure Expansion: The bond will fund a new high school, two middle schools, seven elementary schools, and major renovations.
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Tax Implications: Officials claim the bond will not increase the current tax rate, assuming continued property value growth.
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Community Involvement: The bond proposal was developed with input from community members, faculty, students, and staff.
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Election Timeline: The vote is set for May 3, 2025, with early voting starting April 21, 2025.
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The Need for Expansion: A Growing District
Celina ISD is facing rapid expansion due to an influx of families moving to the area. The district has seen its enrollment double in the last five years, with current numbers at 5,478 students. Projections indicate a student population surpassing 13,700 within five years and potentially exceeding 23,000 by 2033-34.
Overcrowding Concerns
With an estimated 30 people moving to Celina daily—equivalent to one classroom per day—the strain on existing schools is evident. Without expansion, overcrowding will become a critical issue, potentially impacting education quality and resources.
Breakdown of the $2.29 Billion Bond
The bond proposal includes funding for new school buildings, renovations, land acquisitions, safety improvements, and transportation upgrades.
New Schools
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High School No. 2 – $631.9M
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Two New Middle Schools – $453.44M
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Seven New Elementary Schools – $653.38M
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Lykins Early Childhood Center – $59.61M
Upgrades to Existing Schools
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Renovations & Additions to Celina High School – $125.39M
Additional Infrastructure
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Land Acquisition – $260M
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Operations Center – $39.96M
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Facility Updates – $20M
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Technology Infrastructure & Devices – $50M
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Safety & Security Enhancements – $40M
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Maintenance Equipment – $10M
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New Buses – $16M
Tax Impact & Financial Considerations
Celina ISD officials have stated that the bond is structured to avoid increasing the current tax rate of $1.2358 per $100 of taxable valuation. However, this is contingent on the district’s taxable value growing at an estimated annual rate of 23.36% over the next decade. The district’s current taxable value is $5.38 billion, and its outstanding bond debt is $487.3 million.
Community Input and Planning
The bond proposal follows recommendations from a long-range facility planning committee formed in 2023. The planning group included parents, students, teachers, and community stakeholders. The bond package will be split into two propositions:
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Proposition A: Covers all school construction and infrastructure improvements.
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Proposition B: Allocates $20 million specifically for technology upgrades.
Timeline of the Bond Process
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February 3, 2025: Celina ISD Board approves bond proposal.
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February 14, 2025: Deadline to place items on the ballot.
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April 3, 2025: Last day to register to vote.
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April 21, 2025: Early voting begins.
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April 22, 2025: Last day to apply for a ballot by mail.
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April 29, 2025: Last day of early voting.
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May 3, 2025: Election Day.
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August 2025: Expected start of bond fund allocation.

The Future of Celina ISD
The approval of this bond would allow Celina ISD to proactively manage its growth and maintain high educational standards. Failing to pass the bond could result in severe overcrowding and strained resources, affecting students, teachers, and the broader Celina community.
In Conclusion,
Celina ISD’s $2.29 billion bond proposal is a response to an urgent need for expansion. With Celina’s rapid population growth, the district must invest in new schools and infrastructure to support the increasing student population. Voters will decide on May 3, 2025, whether to approve this historic bond, shaping the future of education in Celina. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the election to help determine the direction of the district’s growth and development.
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