The exams measure student performance in Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology and U.S. History.
Districtwide, 65% of Garland ISD students met grade-level standards in English I, up 4 percentage points from 2025. English II scores improved 1 point to 67%, Biology rose 3 points to 91% and Algebra I increased 4 points to 85%. The district’s only decline came in U.S. History, which slipped 2 points but still recorded a 92% passing rate.
At Sachse High School, students improved in three of the five tested subjects. Biology scores climbed 5 percentage points to 95%, Algebra I increased 4 points to 88% and English I improved 1 point to 75%. English II declined 4 points to 72%, while U.S. History fell 4 points to 93%.
Garland High School also posted gains in several subject areas. English I improved 8 percentage points to 61%, while Biology and Algebra I each rose 6 points to 92% and 77%, respectively. English II declined 2 points to 61%, and U.S. History increased 1 point to 94%.
Among middle school students taking Algebra I, Hudson Middle School posted a 99% passing rate, an improvement of 1 percentage point from last year.
In Wylie ISD, students posted gains in four of five tested subjects. Districtwide, Algebra I scores increased 3 percentage points to 96%, Biology rose 1 point to 98%, English I improved 2 points to 88% and English II increased 1 point to 88%. U.S. History declined 1 point but still recorded a 97% passing rate.
At Wylie High School, Algebra I scores improved 3 points to 94%, while English I remained unchanged at 88%. Biology and U.S. History each slipped 1 point to 97%, and English II declined 1 point to 89%.
Wylie East High School recorded gains across most tested areas, including 4-point increases in English I, English II and Algebra I. Biology improved 1 point to 98%, while U.S. History declined 1 point to 97%.
Statewide, the Texas Education Agency reported improvements in every end-of-course subject area compared with 2025.
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]]>By John Moore | TheCountryWriter.com
Author’s note: This week’s column was originally published in August of 2016. It chronicles the activities of three young men who spent the summer of 1976 in a camper, celebrating America’s Bicentennial. As we now celebrate our 250th, Happy Birthday, America.
There was almost no breeze. Record temperatures were being shattered in England, and the Southern US was also pretty darn hot.
In spite of the hot weather, three kids in Arkansas decided that it would be a great idea to live in my backyard for most of the summer of 1976.
My cousin Randy was up from Alvin, Texas. I honestly can’t remember why he stayed with us for so many weeks, but I do remember that my mom quickly reached the end of her rope in regard to a couple of rowdy boys in the house.
So, Randy and I went out and cranked open the pop up camper. At first, we did it just to have a place to go to give my mom a break, but we also did it to get way from my sister and her friends, who frequently were around.
Younger girls are annoying when you think you’re cool.
My best friend Clint, who lived across the street, and was a couple of years older than Randy and me, popped by. He loved our new “clubhouse,” as he called it.
“Clubhouse?” I asked.
Clint pointed out that this was the perfect clubhouse for guys. We didn’t have to construct anything, and we had sleeping bunks, a stove, and we could run an extension cord from the back of my parents house into the Coleman camper for lights and whatever else we needed to use that required electricity.
I ventured into the house to get my mother’s permission for us to ‘get a couple of things’ to take out to the camper for us to just hang out for the day. She happily agreed.
That day would last virtually all of America’s Bicentennial summer.
You’d think that people would have had enough of silly love songs
I look around me and I see it isn’t so
Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs
And what’s wrong with that
Paul McCartney and Wings played often on the transistor radio we had imported into the camper.
We brought in a fan, an ice chest of soda pop, bags of chips, and other snack food. We also had several decks of cards.
We spent the day riding our bikes all over town. We would mow the occasional yard to raise the necessary funds for soda pop, chips, or a milkshake from Herb’s Creamland, a hometown burger stand.
But after the sun would set, we headed to the camper. It would take a couple of hours for the temp to become bearable. We secured the window flaps open on the outside of the camper walls so that the night air could circulate through. We propelled the hot breeze from side to side with an old oscillating fan we’d borrowed from the house.
After getting some air moving, and some sodas and snacks out on the table, we played canasta. Canasta is a card game that is supposed to be played in teams. But, Clint’s mom had showed him a variation that three people could play. We were competitive. It was a blast.
Just let your love flow
Like a mountain stream
And let your love grow
With the smallest of dreams
And let your love show
And you’ll know what I mean
It’s the season
The Bellamy Brothers came on the radio. We sang along, off key, but with great enthusiasm.
We stayed up until all hours playing cards. We laughed, we told jokes, we talked about the start of the school year, and how it was looming. Clint was already in high school; I would be in my sophomore year, and Randy still had a year of junior high.
All alone at the end of the evening
And the bright lights have faded to blue.
I was thinking ‘bout a woman who might have loved me
I never knew
The Eagles were on the precipice of becoming one of the biggest recording acts in American history. They sang as we continued to enjoy our camper clubhouse.
Other than going into the house for showers, changes of clothes, or to eat nutritious meals that were mandated by my mother, Clint, Randy and I lived in that camper virtually all summer.
We just viewed it as a fun way to pass the school break. We had no inkling of the responsibilities that were just around the corner, or that this would be one of the last carefree summers of our lives.
Summer ended. We cleaned out the camper, put away the radio, fan, and the cards, and cranked the camper back down. Randy went home to Alvin, and Clint and I went back to school.
It has been said that youth is wasted on the young. I disagree. I believe that teens deserve those carefree years. And I encourage them to use their summers to bond, live life, and as the Eagles advised us all 50 years ago, to Take It To The Limit, one more time.
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]]>By Carrie Dunlea
Surrounded by mountain landscapes and natural beauty, mountain retreats in the United States offer an idyllic escape for those who seek solitude and a peaceful getaway. From the rolling hills of the Appalachians to the majestic Rockies, these destinations offer a blend of tranquility, adventure and relaxation.
One such destination that attracts travelers from across the world is Asheville, located in the western region of North Carolina. This charming town is surrounded by the lush Blue Ridge Mountains and offers a wide range of mountain retreats, including cozy cabins and luxurious lodges. Visitors can take a stroll through the town’s historic district and admire the architecture of the grand old homes, enjoy a leisurely hike on the nearby trails, or indulge in a spa treatment in the tranquil mountains.
One grand home you won’t want to miss on your tour of the area is the iconic Biltmore Estate, built in 1895. This 250-room home with its extensive grounds rivals many world-class hotels and can take up to two hours to tour. Once you leave the estate, make sure to stop at the nearby Biltmore Village, touted as a “destination for those who enjoy fine art, exceptional cuisine and a nice mix of boutique and nationally recognized shops.”
Even if you’re pressed for time on this trip, don’t miss the opportunity to drive at least a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway while visiting the area. It is considered “America’s Favorite Scenic Drive,” and near Asheville the Parkway offers access to hiking trails and stunning views. If you plan to drive the whole 469-mile route before or after your visit, the road winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and more.
Visit exploreasheville.com
Another popular mountain retreat is the charming town of Park City, Utah. It may be most well-known for winter sports, but this city nestled amid the stunning Wasatch Mountains offers an array of recreational activities, hiking mountain biking, fly fishing, river rafting and much more in other seasons as well.
Park City is also home to several upscale resorts, which provide high-end amenities and expansive mountain views.
The Sundance Film Festival is held annually in January, but there are other art-related opportunities offered in the summer including the Deer Valley Music Festival and the Kimball Arts Festival. Family fun activities include the Utah Olympic Park where adventure-seeking visitors can try a bobsled, alpine or zipline ride or adventure courses designed to test your limits.
Visit parkcity.com
For those who prefer a more remote retreat, the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota offer a perfect escape. The Black Hills are home to several mountain retreats that provide an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation. From hiking along the mountain trails to enjoying a scenic drive through the winding roads, visitors can immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty. The area is also home to iconic attractions, such as Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, as well as many others, which offer a glimpse into the rich history and native culture of the region.
Stop first at the Black Hills Visitor Information Center in Rapid City where experienced travel advisors are on hand to help with trip planning, itineraries, and reservations, as well as maps and guides for the entire region. In addition, motorized trail permits for ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles can be purchased at the center.
If you plan your trip in June or September, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, and participate in the Volksmarch, an organized hike with up to 10,000 hikers, who hike the world’s largest mountain carving to view the 87-foot face of Crazy Horse up close.
The area also offers museums to fit a variety of interests such as Sioux Indian, geology, dinosaur museums, as well as the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame to name a few. If you prefer to explore beneath the earth, there are hundreds of miles of caves beneath the Black Hills including two that are national parks. Other adventures to explore include Chuckwagon shows, trail and wagon rides, fossils, gold mines and much more.
One mountain retreat that offers a unique experience is the town of Sedona, located in the heart of Arizona’s Red Rock Country. The town is famous for its stunning red rock formations and offers a variety of lodging options ranging from rustic cabins to luxurious resorts. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, participate in a yoga retreat, meditate, explore the town’s vibrant art scene including 80 art galleries and shops, visit a winery, and dine at a variety of restaurants.
For those opting for a more spiritual vibe, visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross with its Frank Lloyd Wright flair or book one of many Tripadvisor tours to sacred sites and vortexes which promise “a transformative reawakening of spirit and reconnection with the earth.”
Sedona is surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest land, including two state parks so outdoor activity options are abundant. There are over 400 trails to hike and bike, along with opportunities to go rafting, horseback riding, yoga retreats, among the many activities available. If motorized movement suits you best, you can rent ATVs, Jeeps or motorcycles and then hit the trails. If a slower pace is more your thing, e-bike rentals or tours offer a unique way to experience all the area has to offer.
While visiting Sedona, plan to squeeze in a day trip to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. Drive on your own or book a bus tour for a memorable excursion.
Visit Sedona.com
Nestled amid the towering peaks of the Cascade Mountains, the town of Leavenworth, Washington, offers a unique mountain retreat experience. The town’s Bavarian architecture creates a cozy and charming atmosphere that perfectly complements the stunning natural surroundings. From the morning Alp Horn serenade, the Nutcracker Museum, 96-foot maypole in the town square, German restaurants, beer gardens and bratwurst eateries, shops that carry cuckoo clocks, beer steins and music boxes, the town’s website declares, “you’ll swear you’re in Bavaria.”
On the other hand, traveling to Leavenworth is not nearly as complex as traveling to Germany, and if you’re there for outdoor activities, there are four seasons of recreation to enjoy including hiking, skiing, river rafting, paddle boarding, climbing, mountain biking and more.
While in Leavenworth, visitors can book spa treatments or explore the town’s many restaurants and attractions such as the Leavenworth Summer Theater, Icicle Creek Center for the Arts and Village Art in the Park. And if you visit in June, you might witness the Leavenworth National Accordion Celebration!
Mountain retreats offer an ideal escape for those seeking solitude, adventure, and relaxation. From the stunning red rocks of Sedona to the charming mountain towns of North Carolina, there’s no shortage of options for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the United States. Whether you opt to hit the trails or explore wondrous caves, these mountain retreats offer a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages.
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]]>Legh-Page received 1,211 votes, or 53.63%, while Gurvinder Singh received 1,047 votes, or 46.37%, giving Legh-Page a 164-vote margin of victory. The results remain unofficial until they are canvassed by the Sachse City Council at its June 23 meeting. Legh-Page is scheduled to be sworn into office June 24.
The runoff was required after no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote in the May 3 general election. Singh led the four-candidate field with 45.91% of the vote, while Legh-Page received 36.67%.
Final unofficial returns showed Legh-Page winning both portions of the city divided between Collin and Dallas counties.
In Collin County, Legh-Page received 497 votes, or 58.4%, compared to 354 votes, or 41.6%, for Singh.
In Dallas County, Legh-Page received 714 votes, or 50.75%, while Singh received 693 votes, or 49.25%.
Combined totals from both counties gave Legh-Page 1,211 votes and Singh 1,047 votes out of 2,258 ballots cast.
With the runoff victory, Legh-Page will succeed Place 4 Councilmember Chance Lindsey, who did not seek reelection.
The results will become official following certification by the council later this month.
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]]>Participating museums include the Welcome Center at Brown House in Wylie. Brown House visitors can tour the home and complete at least one activity to earn a patch embroidered with the home’s iconic turret and an American flag. Trying a handicraft, using the interactive Declaration of Independence and watching a Schoolhouse Rock video are among the activity choices.
“Our tour guides will be happy to show the young and the young-at-heart how to earn a patch,” Tracy Lawson, Brown House curator, said.
Patch-seekers at the Farmersville Heritage Museum will make their way through a Farmersville history scavenger hunt. All answers will be found in the museum. Successful visitors will leave with a patch and knowledge of the people, places and stories that made Farmersville the community it is today.
The patch features the museum and its outdoor Blackland Prairie Landscape exhibit.
“For the Farmersville Heritage Museum, participating in the America 250 Museum Patch Quest is about more than collecting keepsakes,” Misty Wiebold, museum chair, said. “It is an opportunity to connect people of all ages with the local stories that help tell America’s story.”
The Interurban Railway Museum, operated by the Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, will also participate in the countywide quest. The exhibits and interactive elements convey the history of the Texas Electric Railway.
“To earn a limited-edition sticker at our location, participants only need to ask one of our friendly tour guides,” Executive Director Kim Hils said. “We also offer a scavenger hunt within the Interurban Railway Museum for a chance to receive another free takeaway.”
Additionally, the Allen Heritage Museum, the Military Heritage Collection of North Texas in Nevada and four locations in McKinney are participating in the America 250 Museum Patch Quest. For a full list, visit the Welcome Center at Brown House Facebook page.
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]]>As the school year ends, so do school-provided breakfasts and lunches for many families. That can put a strain on household budgets and increase demand at local food pantries, but several area organizations are stepping up to help fill the gap.
In Sachse, 5 Loaves Ministries is hosting a cereal drive while celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
The Stars, Stripes & Cereal Drive runs through July 6. Unopened cereal donations can be dropped off at 4401 Williford Road or purchased through the organization’s Amazon wish list available at 5loavesministries.org. Residents can also organize cereal drives through neighborhoods, workplaces, churches and civic groups.
“As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we’re reminded that strong communities are built when neighbors care for one another,” Executive Director Rebekah Rodgers wrote in a newsletter.
In Wylie, Hope for the Cities is expanding its efforts to help families during the summer months.
Beginning June 15 and continuing until school resumes in August, the nonprofit will provide weekly summer lunches for families in Wylie ISD and Community ISD. Volunteers will pack lunches each Thursday and deliver them every Monday. The organization plans to provide enough meals to feed approximately 500 people each week while continuing its regular doorstep food box deliveries.
Hope for the Cities is partnering with 5 Loaves Ministries, Wylie Community Christian Care Center, Smith Public Library and Tango Charities to provide additional meals for students. Starting June 15, families can pick up food each Monday from 10:30 a.m. to noon near the entrance of Smith Public Library. Organizers said students will receive enough food for five lunches and five dinners each week.
“We will use this as an opportunity to get families connected to the food pantries and other community resources,” said Jon Bailey, executive director of Hope for the Cities.
Meanwhile, Wylie Community Christian Care Center is collecting hygiene products in addition to food donations.
Needed items include shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, diapers and baby wipes. The center is also seeking donations of jelly, crackers, Hamburger Helper, Pop-Tarts, condiments and cooking oil. Donations are accepted during regular business hours at 1310 W. Brown St. More information is available at wyliecommunitychristiancare.org.
This past school year, Amazing Grace Food Pantry delivered 7,760 weekend food bags to Wylie schools through its Food 4 Kids program.
The pantry’s work continues through the summer, providing approximately 500 food bags each week to families who visit the pantry.
Director Karen Ellis said the organization is collecting individual cereal cups, 8-ounce shelf-stable milk cartons, macaroni and cheese cups, breakfast bars and Pop-Tarts. Pop-top cans of ravioli, chicken noodle soup and SpaghettiOs are also needed. Donation information is available at amazinggracepantry.org.
Donations to Amazing Grace Food Pantry can also be made at Smith Public Library during June. The library is hosting a protein-themed food drive collecting canned tuna, chicken and chili, as well as protein bars. A collection bin is located in the library lobby.
In addition to supporting families through food donations, residents and councilmembers learned more about community hunger-relief efforts during Tuesday’s Wylie City Council meeting, where proceeds from the recent Taste of Wylie event was presented to four local food pantries.
Allison LaBrot and Sonia Duggan contributed to this story
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]]>The runoff was triggered after no candidate received a majority of votes in the May 2 general election. Singh led the four-candidate field with 825 votes, or 45.91%, followed by Legh-Page with 659 votes, or 36.67%. Alan Bell received 220 votes and Beau Hooten received 93 votes.
Place 4 is currently held by Chance Lindsey, who did not seek reelection.
Early voting for the runoff ended June 9. Through June 7, Collin County reported 347 early votes cast, while Dallas County reported 712 early votes. Election officials had also received 31 mail ballots. Combined, early voting and mail ballot totals represented just over 5% of the city’s 20,587 registered voters as of May 2.
With early voting complete, election officials are encouraging residents who have not yet voted to make plans to cast a ballot on Election Day. Voter turnout in runoff elections is often lower than in general elections, making participation by eligible voters especially important.
Election Day voting will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 13.
In Sachse, Dallas County voters may cast ballots at Sachse City Hall, Courtroom, 3815-B Sachse Road; First United Methodist Church Gym, 1520 Blackburn Road; or BG Hudson Middle School Practice Gym, 4405 Hudson Drive. Collin County voters may vote at the Michael J. Felix Community Center, Room A/B, 3815-E Sachse Road. Eligible voters also may vote at other county-approved vote centers. Officials encourage residents to confirm polling locations before heading to the polls.
Voters should verify their polling locations with their county elections office before heading to the polls.
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]]>By John Moore | TheCountryWriter.com
As a kid, I often heard the saying, “You probably wouldn’t eat the sausage if you saw how it was made.”
That literally applied to making sausage, but it was applicable to lots of things in life.
Both sides of my family lived in or near Ashdown, Arkansas, for many generations. The work they did on their homesteads sustained them. Any extra also brought in some of the money needed to buy the items they couldn’t create or manufacture themselves.
My generation was the first who didn’t have to raise and prepare everything on their plate. But there was still some of that when I was young.
I can recall going to my grandparents from church on Sunday and watching my grandmother catch and then take the necessary steps to turn a chicken from a backyard animal to the main course at lunch.
Today, this would likely turn most folks into a vegetarian. But I believe it taught my sister, cousins, and me the value of what we ate.
The amount of work it takes, farm to table, is significant. It’s why my wife and I grow a significant amount of our groceries.
My mother’s family grew up on a small farm in an area called Hopewell, Arkansas. It was near Fomby, which was close to Ashdown. The first two were and still are unincorporated, and inhabited by hardworking, proud people.
When you hear about people chopping cotton, you think of the 1800 and early 1900s. But my mother’s family was still chopping cotton in the 1940s and 50s. I never did it, but the tales my mother tells of how hard it was for the little money it brought are eye opening.
Chopping cotton, not even their own cotton, was just one of the ways the family made the extra money for flour, sugar, sorghum, and kerosene. Their home had no electricity. It was lit with kerosene lamps.
People today talk about living off the grid as if it is some new trend. My grandparents and their neighbors did it because they had no choice. If they wanted water, it had to be drawn. If they wanted heat, wood had to be cut. If they wanted supper, someone had to grow it, gather it, or hunt it.
There was no calling a repairman when something broke. There was no grocery store open late at night. There was no delivery service bringing necessities to the front porch. The family relied on their own labor, ingenuity, and determination.
They also raised cows. Molly was the family milk cow. There were a couple of other cows that were used for extra milk production.
My grandfather did anything he could to make a dollar. The extra milk was churned to make cream and butter. All was then sold on his ice route.
My grandfather was one of the few in the area who owned a truck. He got paid to take ice into homes for family iceboxes. While there, he’d offer milk, butter, and cream for sale.
Nothing was wasted. Every animal, every crop, and every byproduct had a purpose. If something could be repaired, it was repaired. If it could be repurposed, it was repurposed. Folks didn’t throw things away because replacing them wasn’t always an option.
The chickens, cows, and pigs on my mother’s family farm provided the protein. The garden offered the vegetables and fruits. The pecan trees bore the nuts for desserts. Pecan pie was a favorite.
The changing seasons dictated the work schedule. Spring meant planting. Summer meant tending crops and harvesting vegetables. Fall brought pecans, preserving food, and preparing for colder weather. Winter was spent maintaining equipment, repairing fences, and planning for another year.
Every member of the family had responsibilities. Children learned early that work wasn’t punishment. It was simply part of life. Feeding animals, gathering eggs, shelling peas, snapping beans, and helping in the garden were expected. Nobody asked if they felt like doing it.
The flour was bought in tow sacks, which were used to make clothing. Manufacturers eventually realized women were reusing the sacks, so they began printing them with colorful floral patterns, checks, and stripes. Some even included sewing instructions on the sack itself. A typical 100-pound flour sack provided enough fabric for a child’s dress, while several sacks could be sewn together to make an adult dress, aprons, shirts, curtains, or quilts.
Today, most of us are upset if we lose WiFi. Imagine losing your milk cow or all of your chickens.
That generation faced challenges most of us can barely imagine. Yet they rarely complained. They simply did what needed to be done.
I always remember that when I’m plowing, planting, or harvesting. And I tip my hat to my family and the others who came before. They did it all.
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]]>Thrifters now have a place to shop closer to home. The newly opened Hope’s Gate Thrift Store offers a variety of preloved items in support of a cause.
“We’re a nonprofit organization, and our proceeds go to women facing unplanned pregnancies,” manager Brennan Barbara said.
Hope’s Gate Thrift Store is located at 201 E. Butler St. in Wylie. Similar to its sister business, Hope’s Gate Boutique in downtown Wylie, the thrift store gives shoppers an opportunity to give back with each purchase.
Proceeds from the thrift store support Hope’s Bridge Pregnancy Resource Center in Wylie.
Currently, the store carries clothes and accessories, home decor, books, games, toys and furniture. The nonprofit relies on donations to keep the store stocked and ready for customers.
“We really take anything and everything,” Barbara said. “What we are wanting to do is not turn down donations so that we can help the community around us.”
Hope’s Gate Thrift Store’s donation requirements at this time are for items to be gently used or new. Questions about the donation process can be answered by phone at 945-385-0702 or by email at [email protected]. The store is open solely for donations Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Donations are also accepted during storefront hours, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Volunteers from Youth With A Mission (YWAM) have been working to open the store for approximately a year. Between finding a location, hosting yard sales for fundraising and completing renovations, the team has given many hours leading up to the grand opening Saturday, May 9.
In addition to donating to a pregnancy resource center, Barbara said the thrift store exists to provide community connection and a place for individuals to bring items they no longer need.
“We have been working hard to get ready for everybody to come in and come shop,” Barbara said. “We really are doing this as a ministry.”
Volunteer opportunities will be open to the community soon. Visit thrift.hopesgate.org for updates.
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]]>The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Wylie ISD Administration Building, 951 S. Ballard Ave. Residents are invited to attend and participate in the discussion regarding the proposed budget and tax rate before trustees take action.
District officials are proposing to keep the total tax rate unchanged from the current year at $1.1752 per $100 valuation. The proposed rate is made up of $0.7552 for maintenance and operations and $0.42 for debt service tied to voter-approved bonds.
Although the tax rate would remain the same, the district’s proposed budget reflects changes in spending and property values across the district.
According to the notice, total expenditures in the proposed budget would increase 11.69% compared with the previous fiscal year. Maintenance and operations spending is projected to decrease 1.71%, while debt service expenditures are expected to increase 79%.
The district’s total taxable property value is estimated at $10.81 billion for the current tax year, down slightly from approximately $10.98 billion last year. New taxable property value is estimated at about $180.7 million, compared with roughly $249.1 million the previous year.
Wylie ISD’s total appraised property value is listed at approximately $14.2 billion, compared with $15.28 billion during the preceding tax year
For homeowners, the district estimates taxes on the average residence would decrease slightly. Based on an average taxable home value of $332,530, taxes are projected at $3,907.89 annually, a decrease of $13.74 from the previous year.
The notice also states the district has approximately $629.1 million in outstanding bonded indebtedness.
Under Texas law, the district’s voter-approval tax rate is $1.181698 per $100 valuation. If the district adopts a rate above that threshold, voter approval would be required through an election. The proposed rate remains below that level.
The district estimates ending the current fiscal year with approximately $76.2 million in maintenance and operations fund balances and $48.6 million in interest and sinking fund balances.
See page 2A for the notice of the proposed tax rate. Additional information regarding property taxes and proposed tax rates is available through the state’s property tax database at Texas.gov/PropertyTaxes.
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