The BISD Board of Trustees met on Monday night, August 15, and set the tax rate for the coming year. Following a hearing on the proposed tax rate, the board voted to approve and Maintenance and Operation (M&O) rate of $.9429, and an Interest and Sinking (I&S) rate of $.49. This is a total BISD tax rate for 2023 of $1.4329 which will generate local revenue of around $5 million.
The board also adopted a budget of $18,511,452. This is 2% less than last year’s adopted budget. This budget does include a 3% increase in teacher scale pay and a 3% raise for those not on the scale system. Superintendent Chris Smith stated, “We will see if there are any legislative changes in the funding formula. If the M&O rate goes down, that will present school districts with a challenge. We could have to raise M&O to stay competitive in salaries.”
In his Superintendent’s report, Smith stated, “We have had a good week and a half of teacher prep. We are hearing all positive comments. We are excited and ready to open the doors on Wednesday.” Smith reported that the Accountability Grades from TEA were made available this week. Overall, as a district, BISD received a “B” grade. This is up from a D three years ago when the last grading was done. The district also earned three “Distinctions.” BHS received Distinction designation in Math, Social Studies, and Postsecondary Readiness.
The District score was 86, which is just four points away from an “A” ranking. Smith stated, “We are proud of the work done by our faculty, students, and staff. We have worked hard, but we are not satisfied. We have improved but there is still more room to grow and we are going to do that.” Assistant Superintendent Melissa Oliva pointed out, “Out of relative performance, BISD ranks in the top 50 in the state of Texas. This ranking compares school districts with a similar makeup, as in socio-economic level, etc. We are proud to be in the top 50 in the state.”
The board did approve the purchase of two new pickups. One for the new Student Resource Officer and one for maintenance. The two pickups totaled $106,607 and will be purchased from Stanley Ford, locally. After conducting routine business, the board went into a closed session. No action was taken upon returning from the closed session. Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
