BRENHAM SCHOOL BOARD OFFICIALLY SETS TAX RATE
The Brenham School Board officially adopted the 2019 tax rate and the budget for the new school year at their meeting Monday evening. No one spoke during the public hearing before the adoption vote. The new overall tax rate of $1.05 per $100 dollar valuation is 7 and ½ cents below last year’s overall rate. The rate is composed of 97 cents for maintenance and operations and 8 cents towards the Interest and Sinking fund. Even though the tax rate has gone down, the average homeowner will still see an increase in their taxes. Last year, the average homeowner in the district had a taxable value of $161,696 but this year the value has increased to $177,191. This equates to an increase in school property taxes of $41.43. The adopted budget for the district is right at $50 million which is a 7 and ½ percent increase over last year’s. Most of the increase is for teacher salaries, which the district is increasing $2500 or $4000 depending on years of experience. Business and Finance Director Kim Weatherby noted that the district is no longer considered a “rich district” by the state and no longer has to waste time producing reports for the Robin Hood program.
In other action, the board received a number of reports and updates. Sarah Cook, Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Accountability, updated the trustees on the 2019 district and campus ratings that the TEA released last week. This year the district rating went up to 87 compared to 79 last year. Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson said that this district is not defined by a single letter grade, that there is so much more that needs to be considered. Board President Natalie Lange chimed in that the district offers so many special programs such as STEAM and the AVID teaching programs are not accounted for by the single letter grade.
Social and Emotional Counselors Shawn Mays and Rebecca Wachsler updated the board on how the program worked last year and their goals for this year. They had 492 interactions last year and their goals this year include developing a threat assessment for the district and expanding suicide warning sign awareness.
The board also received an update on the summer school program. At the elementary summer school program, a newcomer’s class was started this year for students that are new to this country. The class gives them a head start with the English language for the new school year.
Paul Aschenbeck, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, updated the board on the various construction projects. He said that the new air conditioners for the High School will be lifted into place by helicopter on Saturday, September 7th, while the building is unoccupied.
The board accepted a $34,000 donation from Run for the Youth of Washington County for proceeds from the Blue Bell Fun Run. They also recognized Edin Inestroza and Stefanie Rivera for being named Outstanding Performers at the 2019 Texas State Solo and Ensemble Vocal Solo Contest.
