“It is a priority of the Finance Department to propose a conservative budget that enables the District to meet the needs of our students and staff while staying fiscally responsible,” said Cheryl Ragsdale, TISD Director of Finance.
“We are pleased that the voter-approved bonds were sold at a very favorable rate, thus reducing the tax impact to our citizens and fulfilling our financial commitment to our voters,” Terrell ISD School Board President Dena Risinger said.
Additionally, the balanced budget includes a 3% midpoint increase in pay for employees, and a starting teacher salary of $48,000 – the highest starting teacher salary in the county.
“The increase in pay for our teachers and staff will help keep salaries competitive with surrounding school districts,” French said. “In order to meet our District goal of increasing student achievement in all areas, we must do our best to compensate our staff so that we are able to retain and recruit highly qualified individuals.”
The Board of Trustees also approved the purchase of two plots of land to improve parking and alleviate traffic congestion near campuses. The land to be purchased includes 701 N. Virginia and 1012 S. Medora (Lots 1&2, Block 220).
Finally, TISD reported an increase in enrollment of approximately 100 students for the 2016-2017 school year, bringing total enrollment to 4,320 students.