Frequently asked questions about public school finance in Texas and the Barbers Hill ISD School Funding Election.
Did Barbers Hill ISD administrators solicit the input of teachers and citizens before developing the School Funding Election?
We are blessed to have Administrators and Trustees that work closely with teachers, parents, grandparents, homeowners, and business and community leaders to find the best approaches to educating our children. The School Funding Election is another example of how our elected leaders sought the input of our community to find responsible ways to ensure we have the funds needed to maintain our state-leading academic, fine arts, athletic and Career & Technical programs, and our state-leading teacher pay while keeping class sizes small and our students safe.
What is a School Funding Election?
For the past decade, the Texas Legislature has dramatically reduced their portion of funding local school districts – this has put a huge burden on our administrators, teachers, students, parents and taxpayers. As the state has not restored this lost school funding, local voters are allowed to recoup the lost classroom, safety, teacher, and student funding with local School Funding Elections like the one called by district leaders.
How quickly is Barbers Hill ISD growing?
We will grow by approximately X,XXX over the next ten years making us one of the fastest growing districts in the region.
How will this Election impact academics, fine arts and athletics?
To meet the demands of our students and teachers, the School Funding Election will provide the operational funds needed to continue and expand academic courses, dual credit offerings, fine arts and athletic programs and leadership opportunities our students will need to success in college, career and adulthood.
What will be funded of voters approve the November 7 Election?
With approval of the School Funding Election, voters will provide our growing district an estimated $XX million for the following:
Maintain our state-leading high teacher salaries we need to keep and attract experienced educators.
Sustain staffing and state-leading programs that improve safety and security on every campus.
Maintain state-leading academic, fine arts and extracurricular offerings.
Continue with our policy of small class sizes for more personal attention for our students.
Increase the number of career pathways and job training programs.
And continue college preparation programs and dual credit offerings to save on future college tuition.
What is going to be the tax impact of the school funding Election on Barbers Hill ISD taxpayers?
With voter approval, this School Funding Election will keep our property tax rate XX¢ cents lower than X years ago due to a series of tax cuts approved by our District leaders.
What will be the impact on senior citizens in the district?
Homeowners 65 years of age and older will see no increase in their property tax rate now or in the future if they have filed for their senior citizen homestead exemption.
Why isn’t the Texas Legislature handling the need for additional school funding?
Previous funding cuts by the Texas Legislature, plus the property tax reduction approved this year by the Legislature, have increased the burden of funding public schools on local taxpayers. The dirty secret about school finance in Texas is that when your property values go up, the additional tax revenue that comes from higher property values does not stay in our district – the state uses it to help balance its budget at the expense of our students, teachers, and local taxpayers.
Should voters approve the Election, does the district have policies in place to make sure our tax dollars are spent efficiently?
We are fortunate to have School Board Trustees who work hard to protect our taxpayers. Their efficiency policies that have helped BHISD achieve the highest ranking for transparency by the state’s Finance Integrity Rating System. They’ve also earned an ‘A’ district accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency.
Who do we contact if we want more information about the election?
For more information, you can contact the district at (xxx) xxx-xxxx.