Trying to keep Midland ISD on sound financial footing in a time of static state funding is a challenge Executive Director of Business Services David Garcia faces daily.
Garcia gave the last presentation Wednesday to the district’s Key Communicators, a group of residents from across Midland who get a behind-the-scenes look at the district’s operations and facilities.
Good economic times in the Tall City don’t translate into big bucks for MISD. District funding is based on the number of students going to school here and property taxes. But because of House Bill 1, a tax reduction bill passed during the last legislative session, MISD is capped at $1 per $100 valuation for the foreseeable future.
Since 2005, district appraisals have gone up $3 billion, but the district still is receiving the same amount of state funding now as it did three years ago. The bill guarantees local and state funds still will generate $130 million a year, but that amount doesn’t go up with new construction or increased value so the district doesn’t benefit.
To offer employee raises, hire new teachers, cope with rising utility costs, increase substitute teacher pay and pay for new initiatives, school board members are considering raising taxes 4 cents per $100. At the same time, Garcia said taxes used to pay for debt will be cut by 3 1/2 cents so the tax rate should remain about the same.
If the district goes beyond $1.04 per $100 valuation, it has to go to the voters for approval. By law, it only can impose a maximum of $1.17 per $100 valuation. Elections cost $10,000-$15,000, Garcia said.
The district does provide a 10 percent local option exemption that would generate an additional $200 per student if the board considered repealing it. That $200 more per student could mean more technology in the classroom, for example, Garcia said. MISD spends $6,652 per student, compared to the state average $7,125.
Following awarding of certificates and keys for being key communicators, board member James Fuller told graduates to stay involved in education. “I hope this serves as a catalyst for you to be involved in public education. Public education is alive and well. Without free public education, this country would not be what it is.”
Fuller added participants in the program should encourage others to apply for Key Communicators and contact elected officials about school funding. “Talk about the positive experience you’ve had,” he said.
Key Communicator and insurance agent Laura Ingram said she always has been pro education. “Midland has been such a great community for myself and my husband to live and do business and raise kids that I’ve voted for every bond issue for 30 years,” she said.
“I don’t understand not wanting to give more money to our children because they are our future,” Ingram added. “I am amazed at what they do with the little amount of money they have. This program has taught me that. …We have a moral obligation in this time of plentitude in our community to give back to our future.”
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