Education
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
FBISD approves 7-cent tax increase to fund raises In a 5-1 vote, the Fort Bend ISD board approved a temporary 7-cent tax increase for the 2025–26. The increase is enabled by state “disaster pennies” following Hurricane Beryl, turning a projected $26.2 million shortfall into a $7.5 million surplus. What they’re saying increases causing the need. Taking a step back
Addie Heyliger makes return as Fort Bend ISD trustee On Sept. 15, the Fort Bend ISD board appointed former trustee Addie Heyliger to Position 5 to serve the remainder of Sonya Jones’ term after previously announcing the seat would remain vacant. Heyliger was first elected in 2015 and served as board president from November 2020 to May 2021. She called her return “coming home to a mission, a community and a calling that has always been close to
With one of the lowest tax rates in the region, Tassin said this increase is necessary to maintain fiscal stability and cover unfunded staff raises. Meanwhile, a 2024-25 compensation study found FBISD had one of the lowest starting salaries for teachers in the area. Moving forward The tax rate is set to return to $0.9869 per $100 valuation in 2026-27.
Trustee Adam Schoof, the lone dissenter, argued the tax hike burdens homeowners and undercuts the expected homestead exemption. However, Board President Kristin Tassin said the state has decreased school funding due to property value
2024-25 2025-26 Difference $403,945 $420,641 +$16,696 $100,000 $140,000 +$40,000
Estimated FBISD tax bill
my heart.” Next steps
Average home value Homestead exemption
Average home taxable value $303,945 $280,641 -$23,304 Tax rate per $100 or taxable value $0.9869 $1.0569 +$0.07 Total tax bill $3,000 $2,966 -$34 Monthly amount $250 $247 -$3
Homeowners are expected to have lower tax bills due to the state’s rising homestead exemption to $140,000.
She will represent the East Division of the district until the end of the unexpired term in May 2026. The FBISD board election will take place May 3, 2026.
SOURCE: FORT BEND ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SUGAR LAND 3335 Hwy 6 S (281) 313-4446 MISSOURI CITY 5418 Hwy 6 (281) 403-0400
SUGAR CREEK 13827 Southwest Fwy (281) 491-8628 SIENNA PLANTATION 9034 Sienna Crossing Dr (281) 778-9959
NEW TERRITORY 5720 New Territory Blvd (281) 491-0811
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