Is Celina ISD Building the Future? A Deep Dive into the $2.29 Billion Bond Package for Celina, Texas

According to a recent article from the Celina Record stated “If you build it, he will come.” This legendary line from the movie Field of Dreams perfectly encapsulates the vision driving the latest proposal from Celina ISD. Bond committee member Adrienne Nelson summed up the sentiment when she declared, “We need to build it, they are coming.” And build it they are—with a proposed $2.29 billion bond package that promises to transform the educational landscape of Celina, Texas.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore every facet of the bond package, provide key numbers on median home prices and enrollment growth, and explain how this historic investment by Celina ISD is designed to meet the challenges of rapid community growth. Whether you’re a local parent, community leader, or potential investor, read on to understand why Celina ISD is paving the way for the future.

A Vision for Celina ISD: Building to Meet Demand

Celina ISD is no stranger to growth. Over the past five years, the district has doubled in size—a testament to the rapid expansion of Celina, Texas. With current enrollment at 5,478 students and projections estimating at least 13,700 students in five years (with the possibility of exceeding 15,000), the district is facing a critical juncture. As bond committee member Ben Hangartner explains, the rapid influx—averaging 30 new residents daily, equivalent to one new classroom per day—requires immediate action to avoid severe overcrowding in schools.

What’s Included in the Bond Package?

Celina ISD’s proposed $2.29 billion bond package is a comprehensive plan designed to expand and modernize the district’s facilities. The full package includes:

• High School No. 2: $631.9 million

• Middle School No. 3: $210.5 million

• Renovations/Additions to Celina High School: $125.4 million

• Middle School No. 4: $242.9 million

• Elementary Schools (Nos. 7 through 13): Ranging from $66.7 million to $95.5 million each

• Lykins Early Childhood Center: $59.6 million

• Operations Center: $40 million

• Facility Updates: $20 million

• Technology Infrastructure and Devices: $50 million

• Safety and Security: $40 million

• Maintenance Equipment: $10 million

• Bus Purchases: $16 million

• Land Acquisition: $260 million

Every dollar in this package has been earmarked as a “priority one project,” ensuring that the most pressing needs—ranging from new construction to critical renovations—are met with urgency and fiscal responsibility.

Financial Strength and Growth Projections

A key question for many is: Is Celina, Texas, expensive to live in? When evaluating this, it’s essential to consider both the cost of living and the investments being made in community infrastructure. For Celina ISD, the bond package represents a proactive approach to future growth.

According to district financial advisor Brian Groves, Celina ISD currently has a taxable value of $5.38 billion and an outstanding bond principal of $487.3 million. With a current debt service rate of $0.4489 per $100 of valuation—comfortably below the state maximum of $0.50—the district is well-positioned to manage this new debt. In fact, the district estimates that if its taxable value grows by 23.36% annually from 2025-26 onward, the proposed bond will have no impact on the tax rate. Projections indicate an increase in taxable value from $5.17 billion to a staggering $42.23 billion over the next decade.

These figures underscore the district’s commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility while ensuring that every student in Celina, Texas, has access to modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

Responding to Overcrowding and Future Demand

Celina ISD’s growth is driven by the overall development of Celina, Texas—a city experiencing explosive growth. In the third quarter of 2024 alone, the city has 49,500 housing lots in process or planned, along with an additional 700 apartment units under development. This rapid expansion means that schools are facing unprecedented enrollment pressures. Without the expansion promised by this bond package, schools could soon face severe overcrowding.

In 2019, Celina ISD voters approved a $600 million bond package. With $180 million remaining to be issued from that bond, the new $2.29 billion proposal is a natural evolution of the district’s commitment to growth and quality education. For instance, at Lykins Elementary—nearing its 25th year of operation—the cost of building a new facility was found to be lower than retrofitting the existing campus. This bold move not only addresses current challenges but also sets the stage for a future where each elementary campus can maintain an optimal capacity of around 750 students.

Celina ISD in the Broader Context of Celina, Texas

When considering the question, "Is Celina Texas expensive to live?" many factors come into play. Celina ISD’s bond package is just one piece of the puzzle. With a current tax rate of $1.2358 per $100 of valuation, the district’s ability to manage growth while keeping taxes in check is impressive. In contrast to many larger Texas cities where rising costs can make living expensive, Celina, Texas offers a balanced environment—affordable living paired with significant investments in community infrastructure.

The bond package not only ensures that students have access to quality education, but it also drives economic development, increases property values, and ultimately makes Celina a more attractive place to live. As the city continues to grow, residents can expect improved facilities, safer schools, and a community that is built on the promise of a bright future.

The Future of Celina ISD and Community Investment

Celina ISD’s new bond package is more than just a financial plan—it’s a vision for the future of education in Celina, Texas. By investing $2.29 billion in new facilities and renovations, the district is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for decades of success. From a new high school and middle schools to innovative technology and safety upgrades, every project is a step toward creating a better future for our children.

As bond committee member Adrienne Nelson and district officials emphasize, “We need to build it, they are coming.” With this expansive bond package, Celina ISD is poised to welcome an ever-growing community of students and families, ensuring that quality education remains at the forefront of Celina’s development.

Sources

• Celina Independent School District, celinaisd.com

• The Star Local Newspaper (for bond package figures and local growth data)

• Internal District Financial Reports (taxable value, debt service rates, and enrollment projections)

• Wikipedia: Celina Independent School District (for background information)

Bottom Line

Is Celina, Texas expensive to live? When you factor in community growth, quality education, and forward-thinking investments, the answer is nuanced. While home prices and living costs are rising in a growing city, the proactive measures taken by Celina ISD ensure that the benefits far outweigh the costs. This bond package is a testament to Celina ISD’s commitment to “Paving the Way for the Future,” and it underscores the value of investing in a community where education, growth, and opportunity come together.

If you’re a resident, investor, or community member in Celina, Texas, keep an eye on these transformative projects—because with Celina ISD building the future, the best is yet to come.

Written by Ron Lyons. For more local insights, visit our website and follow our coverage on Celina ISD and community development in Celina, Texas. https://www.TheBestOfCelina.com