The Georgetown Independent School District (GISD) is taking significant steps towards increasing teacher salaries by calling for an operations funding election. The Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a resolution that proposes a property tax rate increase, paving the way for potential pay raises for district staff.
This tax rate election is scheduled for November, and if it passes, it would result in an approximate 6-cent increase in the tax rate. For the average homeowner in the district, this would translate to an additional cost of nearly $8 per year, generating an estimated $8.4 million in revenue for GISD.
Dr. Devin Padavil, the Superintendent of Georgetown ISD, emphasized the importance of this funding for teacher compensation. He stated, “School funding hasn’t kept up with inflation. We have to do everything possible to make sure teachers and staff aren’t struggling paycheck to paycheck.” Should the tax increase receive voter approval, teachers could see a minimum salary increase of $2,300, with starting pay rising to $59,000. Experienced teachers relocating to the district could earn upwards of $70,000.
<pPadavil remarked on the community's appreciation for the hard work teachers have put into student development over the past two years, underscoring the value placed on their contributions. However, the proposed tax rate increase must clear its final hurdle in November, requiring approval from Georgetown voters to take effect.
<pBarbara Wilson, a resident of Sun City, expressed her support for the measure, stating, "I think it's great, they need to do this a long time ago. Right now, our teachers are not getting a raise and everything's going to be stagnant until we get this passed."
While Georgetown ISD has maintained a balanced budget over the last two years, failure to pass the tax increase could lead to program cuts and a negative impact on students’ educational experiences. Padavil warned, “Now it becomes the things we cut get to a point where we’re chancing the experience families have in Georgetown just to financially support our teachers.” The underlying goal of this election is to attract and retain quality teachers by improving their compensation while also ensuring the district maintains fiscal responsibility.
The proposed tax increase will appear on the ballot as Proposition A on November 3rd. The additional $7.97 expected from homeowners is based on an average home value of $444,465. Importantly, citizens aged 65 and older who qualify for a homestead exemption will not see an increase in their tax bill beyond their frozen level.
