District responds to reader’s letter

Letter to editor

District responds to reader’s letter

Editor’s note: This letter is in response to a letter from Tom Kisner published in the Sept. 21 edition of the News.

It is important Azle News readers have all facts. The figures in the letter mentioned are accurate; however, it is missing several key factors.

The current tax rate of $1.21 is over one cent less than last year and over 10 cents lower than the 2018-2019 tax rate. The M&O compression rate correlates directly to property values – as a school district’s values increase, the M&O compresses.

I&S funds can only be for bond debt obligations. In 2021, voters approved $71 Million in bond funds. Bond literature and ballot language stated .054 cents increase in May and .0235 cents in November. This accounts for .078 cents.

AISD is transitioning from a September 1 – August 31 budget cycle to a July 1 – June 30 cycle, starting July 1, 2023. Bond payments are twice a year, in February and August. The August payment that would be our second payment in the September 1 budget will now become the first payment in the July 1 budget. The letter also failed to mention this year’s budget includes a pre-payment toward the 2014 bond, which is an estimated savings of over $500,000 in interest.

The 2018 voter-approved tax ratification election (TRE) or “Penny Swap” has allowed AISD to maximize the state's funding formula for the betterment of student safety and teacher salaries.

Azle ISD remains one of the lowest tax rates in the DFW area and the AISD Board of Trustees remains committed to being good stewards of AISD tax dollars.

Superintendent Todd Smith

Azle ISD