Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator
Athens ISD board members voted unanimously Monday night to adopt the anticipated new rate for the 2016 tax year. An additional 24 cents per $100 of taxable property value will be reflected on October’s AISD tax bill.
“I’m pleased to report the tax rate increase is exactly as it was represented to the public,” said AISD Chief Financial Officer Randy Jones. The tax increase results from the $59.9 million bond proposal approved by Athens ISD voters in 2015. The resulting construction projects will unfold over the next two years.
Also during the school district’s monthly board meeting, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janie Sims reported to trustees that all campuses “met standard” under the state’s preliminary 2016 accountability ratings report.
“This is just great news,” said Sims. “We’re very pleased.” Public schools in Texas receive one of three ratings: met standard, met alternate standard or improvement required. In order to meet standard, a school must satisfy criteria in areas such as student achievement, student progress, closing performance gaps and postsecondary readiness. Official results, which include the awarding of academic distinctions, will be released in September. Superintendent Blake Stiles said he expects the district will do well.
In addition, Athens ISD moved forward toward a partnership with the Athens Police Department. Trustees unanimously approved a “memorandum of understanding” between AISD and the city of Athens. The memorandum defines the responsibilities of both parties, under which the city will provide officers to serve the school district’s security needs in place of the district providing its own. Details regarding the number of officers and the cost to the district have yet to be finalized.
“We feel it is especially important that we have jurisdictional clarity when it comes to the safety and security of our students and staff,” said Superintendent Blake Stiles following the meeting.
City council members also voted during their own regular meeting Monday night to approve the memorandum of understanding with the school district. The goal is to have the new arrangement in place in a year’s time.
In other news, the board approved a $2,000 stipend to compensate an existing employee with track and field experience who will launch a new cross country/track program at Athens Middle School.