THE SPECTATOR: VOTE NOW TO HELP OUR SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS
This past week, the Brenham Junior High Band had to perform a concert in the dark because the stage lights went out in the school auditorium. They read the sheet music and played their instruments to the light of their cellphones because the maintenance department was unable to restore the lighting. Isn’t it time for something to be done?
We can’t keep putting off repairing or replacing our schools, and we have to find a way to increase teacher salaries to keep them here. Now is your chance to do something about it in the upcoming November 4th state and local election.
Proposition A and Measure A are the most important items on the ballot for our community. Both deserve your support, and I encourage you to vote for both of them. Proposition A would allow Brenham ISD to issue $39 million in bonds for major capital improvement projects of school facilities. These repairs and improvements are essential for our children to learn in a safe, comfortable environment. A “yes” vote for Proposition A will not result in a tax rate increase. So don’t be confused when the ballot says “This is a tax increase”. It is not. Brenham’s tax rate for Interest and Sinking Funds will stay the same.
Measure A is asking for a 3-cent tax increase in BISD’s maintenance and operations tax rate. This small tax rate increase will generate an additional $2.45 million each year, the majority of which will be used for teacher and staff salaries. We badly need these increases in order to stop the exit of our experienced teachers to area school districts due to salary. A yes vote for Measure A will have a minimal impact on your taxes, but it will make a huge difference for our children’s education. And if you are 65 or older, you will not see a tax rate increase on your homestead.
If our community does not support these two items, Proposition A and Measure A, now…then when? It’s time for action. Please vote “yes” for both Proposition A and Measure A. And that’s the way it looks to this Spectator.