Atascocita Observer - News
Voters approve 13-cent increase for Humble ISD
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| Lakeland Elementary School students under the direction of art teacher Natalie Ridley, created portraits of Humble ISD school board members in honor of School Board Recognition Month earlier this year. Elementary arts was among the programs that could have ended without the approved tax increase. |
By COREY L. TURNER
Humble Independent School District joined the growing list of Texas districts to pass a tax increase since House Bill 1 froze state funding at the 2005-2006 rates. The 13-cent increase passed Nov. 22 by a margin of 5,123 to 2,745 according to the district website.
“On behalf of the trustees, I would like to thank the community for getting out in support of this election,” said board president Dave Martin. “This will allow us to continue doing some of the great advances we have seen in science, math, and other areas over the last couple of years.”
The approved increase will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by roughly $11 per month. It also raises the 2008 ad valorem tax rate to $1.52 per $100 valuation in Humble ISD. The new rate is still 25 cents less than the tax rate of 2005.
The voters’ decision to approve the new tax rate allows the district to address a $17 million budget deficit for the current school year. By law, that money must be spent on expenses such as teacher salaries and utilities. The tax increase also prevents the district from making proposed cuts that ranged from various extracurricular activities throughout the district, to reductions in positions such as elementary counselors, librarians, nurses, central support, and administrative staff.
The district reports that it has already made $27 million in cuts since 2002, but the state funding over the past several years has failed to keep up with the rising cost of operating. That is especially true for growing districts like Humble ISD, which currently serves 34,000 students and continues to see growth on the south end.
Although the tax increase addresses the current budget deficit, it only plugs a hole in the school funding debate. Since HB 1 passed, districts like Humble have had to deal with numerous expenses like the rising costs in fuel, which has not been matched by any increase in the transportation funds allotted by the state. In fact, the transportation allowance from the state has remained the same since 1984.
“Districts around the state are winning these elections and it should send a loud message to Austin that we are willing to take care of our own ,” Martin added. “The problem now is that we are at our cap and our only relief left is to rely on Austin.”
Alief Independent School District, in southwest Houston, also won its tax rollback election just one day before the Humble tax increase passed. Education advocates say the trends of these elections around the state prove that the current state funding system is critically flawed and more action is needed in Austin.
“These elections are not long term solutions,” according to Joe Smith of TexasISD.com. “They are only very short term band aids that will last a year or two at the most. If leadership for the state does not boldly come forward, this school district will be back in the same fix in a year or so.”
To help make the push in Austin next year, Humble ISD has created a legislative committee that will meet on Dec. 2. The committee will be chaired by board member Charles Cunningham, and he will be joined by fellow board members Dr. Bonnie Longnion and Dan Huberty.
Trustees are asking the community to come out and become an active part of the committee to help address the school financing issues.
“We would love to see more people come and get involved in the education process,” said Martin. “It’s a shame Texas doesn’t get the message that the citizens are on the same page on this issue.”
What you can do
The 81st legislative session starts Jan. 13 and end June 1. Humble ISD is preparing a legislative committee to prepare for the session and has invited the community to get involved.
What: First meeting
When: Tuesday, Dec. 2 @ 6:30
Where: Admin Building Board Room
More info: Call 281-641-8200 or e-mail legislative@humble.k12.tx.us
“On behalf of the trustees, I would like to thank the community for getting out in support of this election,” said board president Dave Martin. “This will allow us to continue doing some of the great advances we have seen in science, math, and other areas over the last couple of years.”
The approved increase will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by roughly $11 per month. It also raises the 2008 ad valorem tax rate to $1.52 per $100 valuation in Humble ISD. The new rate is still 25 cents less than the tax rate of 2005.
The voters’ decision to approve the new tax rate allows the district to address a $17 million budget deficit for the current school year. By law, that money must be spent on expenses such as teacher salaries and utilities. The tax increase also prevents the district from making proposed cuts that ranged from various extracurricular activities throughout the district, to reductions in positions such as elementary counselors, librarians, nurses, central support, and administrative staff.
The district reports that it has already made $27 million in cuts since 2002, but the state funding over the past several years has failed to keep up with the rising cost of operating. That is especially true for growing districts like Humble ISD, which currently serves 34,000 students and continues to see growth on the south end.
Although the tax increase addresses the current budget deficit, it only plugs a hole in the school funding debate. Since HB 1 passed, districts like Humble have had to deal with numerous expenses like the rising costs in fuel, which has not been matched by any increase in the transportation funds allotted by the state. In fact, the transportation allowance from the state has remained the same since 1984.
“Districts around the state are winning these elections and it should send a loud message to Austin that we are willing to take care of our own ,” Martin added. “The problem now is that we are at our cap and our only relief left is to rely on Austin.”
Alief Independent School District, in southwest Houston, also won its tax rollback election just one day before the Humble tax increase passed. Education advocates say the trends of these elections around the state prove that the current state funding system is critically flawed and more action is needed in Austin.
“These elections are not long term solutions,” according to Joe Smith of TexasISD.com. “They are only very short term band aids that will last a year or two at the most. If leadership for the state does not boldly come forward, this school district will be back in the same fix in a year or so.”
To help make the push in Austin next year, Humble ISD has created a legislative committee that will meet on Dec. 2. The committee will be chaired by board member Charles Cunningham, and he will be joined by fellow board members Dr. Bonnie Longnion and Dan Huberty.
Trustees are asking the community to come out and become an active part of the committee to help address the school financing issues.
“We would love to see more people come and get involved in the education process,” said Martin. “It’s a shame Texas doesn’t get the message that the citizens are on the same page on this issue.”
What you can do
The 81st legislative session starts Jan. 13 and end June 1. Humble ISD is preparing a legislative committee to prepare for the session and has invited the community to get involved.
What: First meeting
When: Tuesday, Dec. 2 @ 6:30
Where: Admin Building Board Room
More info: Call 281-641-8200 or e-mail legislative@humble.k12.tx.us
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