GISD to seek voter approval on tax hike

GROVETON — Rising costs and saving critical programs have spurred the Groveton ISD Board of Trustees to place a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election on the November general election ballot.

Superintendent Jim Dillard said that at an Aug. 18 special meeting, board members decided to seek an additional 17 cents per $100 property valuation.

He said that currently, the compressed tax rate is .6119, but in the VATRE election, a rate of .7819 is being sought. The additional taxes would mean $954,000 in additional revenue for the district, and the impact to taxpayers in the district will be $540,000 with the rest coming from the state.

“Years ago, our tax rate was above a dollar; every year it has been compressed more and more,” he said. “We’re trying to maintain the status quo. We’re also doing this because it will mean more funding from the state.”

Dillard pointed out that inflation, hiring teachers for special programs and keeping teacher salaries competitive, has led to the decision.

The district will hold a town hall meeting in October to present information to the public, and all relative documents will be posted on the district website.

The board also approved policy updates from the Texas Association of School Boards that stemmed from the regular legislative session and discussed the district’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas rating, which was superior.

At the Aug. 25 meeting, the trustees amended several school policies:

• The policy for public meetings was changed to give and open forum for the public at the beginning of each meeting.
• Standards for library materials will be set, and a committee will be appointed to hear any concerns.
• The district is now banned from assisting students in any type of gender transitioning. Dillard said that recent legislation directs school staff to address students based on what is on their birth certificate.
• The policy to extend timelines for parents to file grievances was lengthened.
• Any employee taking any adverse action in regard to gender, sex, race or religion, could face discipline.
• The administration may not assign any DEI duties to any person, and prohibits employees from doing any activities that are DEI-related.

The trustees approved the purchase of a new school bus.