TEXARKANA, Texas -- Texarkana Independent School District is capitalizing on high property values and debt refinancing to give the district its lowest tax rate in 15 years.
Trustees on Wednesday approved a 10.88-cent rate reduction, according to a news release. It is the fourth consecutive year for the district to lower the rate.
The board set the new tax rate at $1.1979 for the upcoming year, with 9.429 cents designated for maintenance and operations and 2.550 cents for debt service.
TISD has now lowered its tax rate by a total of 22.71 cents over the past four years. Over the past 12 years, the district has refinanced debt four times, resulting in savings of almost $6.5 million.
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"The lowering of the tax rate and the savings of nearly $6.5 million achieved through bond refunding reflect the district's responsible management of taxpayer dollars," Superintendent Dr. Doug Brubaker said.
Brubaker said the budget reflects priorities in the Imagine 2026 Strategic Plan.
"These include an ongoing focus on classroom instruction, the hiring of additional police officers, and the implementation of recent salary study recommendations that will help TISD to attract and retain the very best teachers and support staff," he said.
In other business, trustees approved --
• a proclamation for Texas Education Human Resources Day. Gov. Greg Abbott has proclaimed Oct. 12 as Texas Education Human Resources Day to recognize and honor school staff who work in human resources.
• a three-year Memorandum of Understanding between the district and Texarkana ISD Education Foundation that guides how the foundation will provide financial and program support to the district.
• School District Teaching Permits for non-core CTE courses. The district will notify the commissioner of education of each SDTP that is approved by the board.
• moving the Nov. 23 board meeting to Nov. 16.
The next trustee meeting is Oct. 26, 2022.