BRENHAM SCHOOL BOARD ADOPTS BUDGET, SETS TAX RATE FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR

  

The Brenham School Board approved adoption of the 2020-21 tax rate and budget at its meeting Monday.

Following a public hearing which featured no comments, the board adopted a resolution setting the tax rate at $1.0458 per $100 valuation, consisting of 96.58 cents for maintenance and operations (M&O) and 8 cents for debt service (I&S).  The rate is slightly below last year’s rate of $1.05 per $100, which had an M&O rate of 97 cents and an I&S rate of 8 cents.

The board also approved adoption of the budget for general operating, interest and sinking, and food service.  This year’s budget comes out to $47,821,279, which is $96,677 less than last year’s budget.

Click here to view the 2020-21 budget and tax rate.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the board heard an overview of the district’s COVID-19 campus preparations.  Some of the preventative measures taken, according to Assistant Superintendent of Operations Paul Aschenbeck, include hand sanitizer dispensers placed or installed around each campus; plexiglass barriers on all lunch tables and in office and reception areas; and signs on each campus displaying messages on the importance of hand washing, social distancing, and face coverings.  Aschenbeck also said visitor access to all campuses has been restricted to essential personnel, and visitors will be screened as they come in.

Aschenbeck said that each campus will have individual COVID-19 plans fit for their specific needs.

 

When asked what happens when a student chooses not to follow COVID-19 protocols on-campus, Interim Superintendent Huey Kinchen said the student will be moved into remote learning, adding that the disciplinary method has the support of campus principals.  He said he is in favor of a “three strikes and you’re out” system, but it ultimately depends on the situation, as some may require more or less leniency.

As this was Kinchen’s last board meeting before new Superintendent Dr. Tylor Chaplin begins his work for the district, the board took time to thank Kinchen for his service.  Kinchen, who was named interim superintendent in May, said it has been “a real joy” and “a real treat” to serve Brenham ISD, and thanked the board for the opportunity to do so.

The board also:

• Accepted the bid of Key Performance Petroleum for district fuel for the 2020-21 school year.
• Received an update on summer school instruction.