Bonds keep taxes at home

Education notes


Michele Lorette

Michele Lorette

How should I start this column?

Should I begin with accolades about our students who participated and/or placed in UIL academics and UIL athletics? Do I inform the readers of the possible changes that are being presented in the form of Senate bills and House bills regarding funding, testing, graduation requirements, vouchers and much more? Or do I try to explain how the lawsuit regarding funding for Texas public schools was seen as unconstitutional by State District Judge John Dietz, but the state will now appeal, possibly delaying any change in funding for our schools?

The South Jetty does a wonderful job keeping its readers informed of our students’ successes in UIL, so I’ll skip that subject; even so, the board is very proud of our students and teacher sponsors! I will go ahead and skip “bill” talk for now, too, since our legislators are still working in Austin on changes, if any, which will affect public education. In regards to funding for our schools, I do not think districts will see funding return to 2011 status any time soon, although I will remain hopeful.

I will take advantage of this column space to write about the bond we will have on this May’s election ballot. Bonds are an opportunity for school districts to procure money through an increase in taxes and keep 100 percent of the money collected. Currently, because of “Robin Hood,” approximately, 75 percent of our school taxes collected go to the state to be redistributed to poor districts.

As of recently, PAISD has used our fund balance (savings account) to balance our budget, and for our capital improvements and unexpected repairs. We have continued to avoid any major cuts to programs, maintain our high standards in the classroom, preserve our buildings and grounds, install a wireless infrastructure, while continuing to maintain a low tax rate. As a matter of fact, Port Aransas ranked a low 35 out of 42 districts in tax rate comparison within our region last year. Our challenge with the fund balance, however, is that we do not have the means to replenish it. Our fund balance now needs to be set aside in case of storms or large fluctuations of student enrollment.

So it’s time to take the next step that so many districts have to take, and that is passing a bond. The money received through our bond will help with: repairs and replacement of facilities, equipment, renovations, maintenance to extend useful life of capital assets, and transportation, thus giving us the ability to balance next year’s budget without risking cuts in programs, positions, or compromising our facilities. An example of repair/replacement of facilities is our (inadequate) track. We use our track for students in P.E., cross-country, track and field, field day, and residents/ visitors use it as a part of their fitness programs.

As a board, it is our fiduciary responsibility to do what is most sensible for our taxpayers and district. With current low interest rates on bonds, reduction of funding from the state, and the decrease in our fund balance, we respectfully ask for your support for our bond. Through a bond we keep 100 percent of the money in Port Aransas — the state cannot take their 75 percent “cut.” It’s an investment in our students, schools and community.

The school board selected individuals from the community to form a “Capital Improvement Committee” to survey and assess the district needs. The board appreciated their time, patience and valuable input. The members were: Burt Moorhouse, Wayne Johnson, Mark Creighton, Jana Snow, William Campbell, Ashley Harris, Jenni Kite and school trustees Lisa Shelton, Jay Jones and me.

Needs change, but our mission “to inspire every student to reach his or her potential through the highest quality education, a safe and caring environment, and a meaningful life and career” has not.

If you have any questions regarding our bond, please feel free to call our school administrators (749-1200), ask a member of the Capital Improvement Committee, ask a trustee, or go on our Web site (www.paisd.net) and click on the 2013 Bond Program Information tab.

We have wonderful schools and a generous and caring community. We need your support. Please vote May 11.

Michele Lorette is president of the Port Aransas ISD Board of Trustees.


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