BRENHAM SCHOOL BOARD TO POSSIBLY CALL TAX RATE & BOND ELECTIONS
The Brenham School Board will decide on Tuesday whether to go to the voters this fall with a pair of elections.
Trustees will hear the recommendations from Brenham ISD’s strategic planning committee about potential proposals for a voter approval tax rate election (VATRE) and bond election. They will then consider calling the elections.
Members of the board and committee have spent the past few months discussing the feasibility of a VATRE, which would raise the maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate for the purpose of funding teacher and staff pay raises, and a bond election to support facility and infrastructure improvements.
Previous meetings have included discussion on raising the M&O tax rate by up to 3 cents for the VATRE, which could generate as much as $2,451,117 in additional revenue if passed. For the bond election, because of early debt repayment, the district could propose a bond of around $36 million without raising the interest and sinking (I&S) tax rate.
The board’s votes on the elections will come after a public hearing at the beginning of the meeting for the proposed tax rate and budget, followed by action on the two items.
The rate proposed at the board’s meeting on July 29th was $0.7922 per $100 valuation, made up of $0.7122 for M&O and $0.08 for I&S. The rate was proposed with the understanding that state compression requirements would bring the final rate down to $0.7684 – which includes $0.6884 for M&O and $0.08 for I&S – unless there were any changes in state calculations.
In relation to the possible bond election, the board will vote on a resolution establishing the district’s intent to use any bond proceeds to reimburse the general fund for projects authorized in the bond.
In other business, trustees will receive a presentation about the emergency repairs and air quality at campuses impacted earlier this year by storm damage.
Other items will include:
- An update from the district’s financial advisor.
- A resolution providing for the defeasance and calling for redemption certain currently outstanding obligations; directing that the Board Secretary, or their designee, effectuate the redemption of these obligations; authorizing the execution of an escrow agreement; and other matters in connection. Defeasance refers to setting aside funds to cover future debt.
- Annual review and possible approval of the district’s compensation handbook.
- Consideration of a budget amendment.
- Review of the 2025-26 student handbook.
The board will meet Tuesday at 6 p.m. in rooms 111 and 113 at Brenham High School. The meeting will be livestreamed on Brenham ISD’s YouTube channel.