THE CZECH IS IN THE MAIL
Congratulations to the Taylor Independent School District.
Voters on Tuesday approved both propositions of a nearly $148 million bond that will help Taylor ISD prepare for growth in the next decade. This is a huge victory for the district, especially the students, families of pupils and staff.
Proposition A was the bulk of the bond with a price tag of $147 million, and focused on funds for construction, renovations, capital improvements and land acquisition for future campuses. The measure passed by 19 percent.
Proposition B, the school-funding proposition or Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election, will generate $650,000 annually for additional operating funds for maintenance and program enhancement. This measure passed by nine percentage points.
The best thing about the bond’s success at the ballot box is the tax rate for homeowners in the Taylor ISD catchment area will not increase. In fact, the tax rate will decrease nearly 4 cents per $100 valuation because of the passing of the bond, retirement of old debt and increased homestead exemptions.
Granted, during the run-up to the Nov. 4 election, there were some critics who disputed these figures provided by the school district.
Speaking of homestead exemptions, the tax rates for homeowners 65 and older will not be affected. The bond proved to be a win-win.
As a parent of a Taylor ISD student, I am extremely pleased by the electorate’s endorsement of the bond. My wife and I own a home on the South Side and we’re hoping there will be both elementary and middle schools near us by the time our oldest daughter reaches fourth grade. She’s in prekindergarten.
With voters giving the nod to this referendum, more programs such as STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and career and vocational education will benefit from additional funding.
This will be vital as the student population increases and more high-tech industries such as Samsung Austin Semiconductor move to the area.
There are big things coming in Taylor. With population growth comes the need for more schools, more houses and more businesses.
This is a good thing, except for the increase in traffic. But those issues will be addressed by our city leaders.
Once again, congratulations to Taylor ISD. The future looks bright.
Chlapek is the area editor of the Elgin Courier and Taylor Press. He can be reached at jason. chlapek@ granitemediapartners.
com.
