School funding 101
With a Tax Rate Election ( TRE ) on the Nov . 3 ballot , Garland ISD wants to ensure all families , staff and community members in our tri-cities understand how schools receive funding .
BUDGET RESOURCES
School property taxes are a combination of Maintenance and Operations ( M & O ) and Interest and Sinking ( I & S ). M & O funds day-to-day costs like teacher salaries , academic programs , transportation and building maintenance . I & S pays for the district ’ s debt from previous bond projects , such as renovations or new facilities .
HIGHER TAXES DOESN ’ T EQUAL MORE FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS
Years ago , the state decided that school districts would get a set amount of funding per student , called the target revenue . Taxpayers pay for their share of the target revenue through property taxes , and the state pays for the rest . When property values increase , and community members pay more in property taxes , the state gives the district less money . Meanwhile , things like the district ’ s utility costs or the cost of living expenses for teachers and staff continue to increase .
TAX RATE ELECTION IMPACT
Our TRE is proposing an increase to the district ’ s M & O rate from . 97 ¢ to $ 1.04 , which would generate $ 42 million dollars in new funding .
The new funds would help us expand our full-day Pre-K program and continue to provide competitive teacher salaries . We would also be able to offer more opportunities to learn career skills , receive college credit in high school and more .
GISD ’ s Board of Trustees offset the proposed M & O increase by reducing our I & S rate from . 42 ¢ to . 305 ¢. If the TRE is approved , it will lower our overall property tax rate to approximately $ 1.34 — a nearly . 05 ¢ decrease from last year and a nearly . 12 ¢ decrease from 2018 – 19 . In fact , the tax rate will be the lowest our community has seen in six years .
CONTINUE TO LEARN
Garland ISD is committed to transparency , and we encourage you to stay informed . For additional details , including property tax rate history and financial data , visit bit . ly / GISDtaxfacts or bit . ly / GISDfinancial .
Folklórico promotes cultural awareness through dance
Garland ISD is committed to building cultural awareness , fostering inclusiveness and engaging all voices . That is our promise to students , staff and the tri-city community . It is also why our Board of Trustees adopted a Resolution for a Districtwide Equity Assessment in June 2020 .
A prime example of GISD ' s dedication is the success of the folklórico program at Roach Elementary School . Folklórico is an enrichment activity that is focused on learning about different cultures through dance and music . Students in folklórico not only develop their dancing talents , but they also promote diversity and educate the community through their performances .
“ Our program began with traditional Mexican folklórico dances but has evolved to include dances from around the world ,” explained Claudia Saenz , assistant principal and folklórico instructor at Roach Elementary School . “ We divide the students into 8 – 12 groups , and each group learns a different dance . We have represented Mexico and many of its states , as well as Puerto Rico , Colombia , China , Nigeria , Ireland and the U . S .”
Additionally , Roach ' s folklórico program is unique in that staff and parents volunteer to teach the dances to over 100 student participants .
“ This parental involvement is invaluable to our school ," commented Saenz . " Students also benefit from an increased connection to their heritage , and grade levels learn to collaborate together "
Folklórico is just one of the many innovative programs provided by Garland ISD ’ s Visual and Performing Arts Department . Focused on educating the whole child , we believe that fine arts enable students to develop the self-esteem , self-discipline , self-motivation and cooperation necessary for success in life .
Hispanic Heritage Month recently provided GISD the perfect opportunity to celebrate culture , history and heritage . Search # GISDCelebratesDiversity and # BetterTogether on social media to see why students and staff are proud of their Hispanic heritage and think it ' s important to recognize our diverse community .
2020 – 21 // Issue II 2