Residents could see a $150 drop
A tax-rate approved this week by the Taylor ISD school board could mean a lower bill for ratepayers while continuing a decadelong drop, officials said.
Also during the Taylor Independent School District’s Aug. 17 board meeting, a local healthcare group awarded a scholarship to a teacher and trustees heard updates to codes for student attire and cellphone use.
Meanwhile, it’s that time of year where school districts are setting tax rates before the mandated deadline of Aug. 31.
Taylor ISD is no different as it considers a $70 million fiscal year budget.
During the board meeting, trustees approved a maximum tax rate equal to last years of about $1.06 per $100 of property value.
Because home values dropped across the district, the rate would mean a decrease of about $150 on the school tax bill for the median homestead property.
“Taylor ISD will maintain the same tax rate this year as we continue balancing the needs of our district with our responsibility to taxpayers,” said Taylor ISD spokesman Christian Aleman.
“Over the past 10 years, Taylor ISD’s tax rate has decreased by approximately 32%.”
Aleman said Taylor ISD is delivering a quality education but also staying vigilant when it comes to spending.
“We remain focused on responsible financial stewardship while making investments that directly support our students, staff, and schools,” he said.
Taylor’s total taxable value of all property in the school district increased from $3.02 billion to $5.16 billion over last year, officials said.
The tax rate will support a proposed 202627 budget that shows a 14.06% increase over the previous year. The budget increased from $8.6 million to $70.47 million, planners said.
$5,000 grant awarded
Taylor High School teacher Sarah Martin received a $5,000 grant from Baylor Scott & White Health, trustees learned.
The Well Beyond Today Grant awards teachers in the health science field who help prepare students for future careers in healthcare. District officials submitted an application for the grant on Martin’s behalf and surprised her with the award.
Dress code and cellphone policies The district reviewed safety protocols for identification badges, clothing and phone use that officials said are meant to maintain security and create a safe environment.
Under state House Bill 1481, students in kindergarten through 12th grade in Texas public and charter schools are prohibited during class time from utilizing cellphones, smartwatches and tablets. The measure, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, directs school officials to store the devices during the school day or prohibit them altogether.
Educators said without the digital distractions, students are able to focus better.
Legacy Early College High School rolled out the program last school year, and teachers are continuing it this year.
“One of the things we noticed is the students are communicating with each other,” said Principal Erika Cantwell. “The first year we rolled this out, last year, I was a little anxious because it was loud in the building and I wasn’t expecting that. It’s nice to see them talking and having fun and engaging in conversations with each other.”
Devices will be collected if found and parents will be notified. After the first incident, guardians will be required to come to the school to pick up the confiscated item. Repeated offenses could result in a suspension.
Also, pupils are checked entering the school for their ID badges and to ensure they are following a dress code, officials said.
