Should high schools have indoor practice fields? Why North Texas district says they’re needed

Many North Texas school districts have indoor practice fields so students in band and athletics don’t have to endure extreme heat or cold, and Birdville officials want to provide those improvements.

Residents in the Birdville school district will vote on a $48 million bond package that would pay for the multipurpose indoor practice fields without increasing the property tax rate. Election day is Nov. 5, and early voting starts Oct. 21. The buildings at Richland, Birdville and Haltom high schools would cost approximately $16 million per campus.

The bond package is a “scaled back” version of the $59 million proposal that was voted down two years ago, according to the school district.

“The facility’s design allows for multiple groups to use the space simultaneously, which is especially beneficial during inclement weather or when outdoor areas are unavailable. This ensures consistent practice schedules and enhances performance and readiness for all programs,” school board president Kris Drees said in an email to the Star-Telegram.

Districts with indoor practice fields

Many north Texas districts have the indoor practice fields, including Aledo, Arlington, Argyle, Carroll, Denton, Grapevine-Colleyville, H-E-B and White Settlement. Dallas and Fort Worth do not have indoor fields.

Property tax rate impact

The property tax rate will not increase because the maintenance and operations portion (which provides funds for day to day expenses) has dropped by 25.31 cents since 2019, from $1.04 to 78.69 cents, said Katie Bowman, associate superintendent of finance and operations. Birdville’s debt service portion of the tax rate also went down slightly.

Ballot language

Texas law requires that the ballots for school bond elections state that there will be a property tax increase even if the tax rate stays the same.

Superintendent Gayle Stinson said in an email: “The cost of the multipurpose facilities is balanced by the year-round benefits. Our goal is to ultimately support student success across various activities and age groups.

“We look forward to seeing our students have similar opportunities to practice and play as surrounding districts.”