As 2026 begins, a review of the 2025 K–12 bond landscape reveals a notable decline in overall volume—both in total dollar value and number of measures—when compared to 2024. The passage rate, however, remained relatively stable at approximately 75 percent.
In 2025, approximately $91 billion in bonds went to a vote nationwide. Of that total, $68 billion passed and $23 billion failed. By comparison, 2024—widely described as a “banner year” for school bonds—saw a significantly higher total of approximately $151 billion placed before voters.
In terms of volume, there were 1,820 bond measures in 2025, compared to 2,327 in 2024. Looking ahead, approximately $40 billion in K–12 bond measures are currently being tracked for 2026.
Bond Trends and Notable District Examples
A closer analysis of bonds approved in 2025 highlights three districts in particular for the scale of their investments and the level of planning behind them: Novi Community School District in Michigan, North East Independent School District in Texas, and Ballston Spa Central School District in New York. Together, these examples illustrate the wide range of capital improvement priorities districts are advancing to address the specific needs of their communities.
Novi Community School District (Michigan)
Novi Community School District stands out for the breadth of its proposed improvements, addressing nearly every facet of district infrastructure—from academics and the arts to competitive athletics. The district’s bond demonstrates how a single, comprehensive funding initiative can reshape facilities district-wide while delivering long-term value to the broader community.
Bond Overview
- Amount: $425,000,000
- Key Projects: A new high school academic innovation hub and counseling suite; major renovations to performing arts spaces, including the auditorium and Black Box Theater; a middle school STEM addition; and a new high school activity center featuring a competition pool, diving pool, indoor track, and turf field.
North East Independent School District (Texas)
The North East Independent School District bond stands out for both its significant dollar amount and its broad focus on infrastructure modernization, technology, and security. The bond reflects how large districts are allocating substantial capital toward modernizing facilities while addressing both physical and cybersecurity concerns.
Bond Overview
- Amount: $400,345,000
- Key Projects: New additions and renovations, including CTE/ STEM and JROTC facilities, along with comprehensive safety and security improvements such as secure entrances, card readers, fire alarm system upgrades, and enhancements to content filtering and child safety monitoring platforms.
Ballston Spa Central School District (New York)
Ballston Spa Central School District provides a compelling example of how smaller-scale districts balance essential maintenance needs with targeted investments in athletic and wellness facilities. This case study highlights careful prioritization of core infrastructure alongside projects that enhance student experience and community use.
Bond Overview
- Amount: $61,813,000
- Key Projects: General renovations including HVAC, roofing, and lighting upgrades; a new fitness and wellness addition; an auxiliary gymnasium expansion at the high school; and outdoor athletic improvements such as turf installation at Stadium Field, a new eight-lane track with a turf field and lighting, and the relocation and expansion of tennis courts from eight to ten.
Looking Ahead
SchoolBondFinder tracks K–12 capital project bonds nationwide, providing stakeholders with insight into project scope, financing structures, and voter outcomes. As 2026 unfolds, future updates will offer a deeper look at emerging bond trends and how the K–12 funding landscape continues to take shape.