Election
BY JOE EDWARDS
BY DAVE MANNING
Voter Guide
FBISD approves tax rate increase election for November
2023
Voters will decide on Nov. 7 whether to approve Fort Bend ISD’s proposed tax rate increase for the purpose of increasing starting teacher pay and boosting school security. The FBISD board proposed an increase of $0.04 per $100 property valuation to $0.9892 for fiscal year 2023-24 at an Aug. 21 meeting, paving the way for a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE. What happened The board approved the measure by a vote of 6-1 with trustee David Hamilton being the lone dis- senter, based largely on the grounds that the board had already given one-time bonuses to teachers in FY 2022-23. FBISD Chief Financial Officer Brian Guinn said the current rate of $0.9492 does not provide the necessary funding to match other districts in the region in hiring qualified teachers and staff as well as providing campus security as mandated by House Bill 3, which requires school districts to
have an armed officer on each campus. Guinn presented to the board tax increase options of $0.02, $0.03, $0.04 and $0.05 in addi- tion to recommending raises, other staffing and security personnel, and other measures. In particular, trustee Kristen Malone led the charge for a $0.04 increase rather than the district’s proposed $0.05 increase. A compromise was reached at 11:38 p.m. The board had only until midnight to pass the measure. The last time FBISD held a VATRE in November 2022, it failed with 54% of respondents voting against the effort to maintain a higher tax rate and avoid a budget shortfall. The proposed rate increase would bring $35.2 million annually, of which 70% would go toward compensation for teachers, librarians, nurses and counselors. Additionally, armed and uniformed police officers will be assigned to all district elementary schools.
Supporting staff The proposed tax rate increase would go toward supporting district employees.
Lamar CISD $15 million for stadium improvements There are 14 statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot as well. Learn more on Page 21.
Dates to know
Sample ballot
Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)
Fort Bend ISD The Fort Bend ISD board of trustees proposed an increase of $0.04 per $100 valuation for the fiscal year 2023-24. This proposal sets the stage for a voter- approval tax rate election, or VATRE, to be held Nov. 7, where voters can approve or deny the tax rate hike.
$2,500 increase in starting teacher pay to a $62,000 salary
SOURCES: FORT BEND COUNTY, FORT BEND ISD, LAMAR CISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
3% pay increase for district professionals
Fort Bend County Proposition A
Where to vote
The county is seeking approval to issue $712.6 million for the construction and maintenance of several roads throughout the county. Proposition B $153 million worth of projects updating parks and related facilities will also appear on ballots.
Fort Bend County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.fortbendcountytx.gov for polling locations.
$1.50 per hour pay increase for nonprofessional staff
$5,742 increase in officer pay
NOTE: NONPROFESSIONAL STAFF INCLUDES CLASSROOM AIDES AND BUS DRIVERS. 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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