The Llano ISD School Board met on August 26th to conduct their Budget and Tax Rate Hearing followed by a Regular Meeting. It was well attended in part because of regular meeting agenda item 4: the Hearing, Deliberation, and Possible Action on a Level Three Appeal of the novel “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins, which resides in the LHS library.
During the Budget and Tax Rate Hearing, LISD CFO Ryan Turner estimated 54 million in local revenue, 26.2 million going back to the state in taxes, and a proposed budget deficit of $284,321 for 2024-2025. The original number was around $865,000 during the budget workshop, but was greatly reduced due to several factors.
“Wants were removed to focus on needs,” stated Turner. A number of open positions were absorbed and a handful of retirees were replaced with young talent at starting salaries.
The number of students enrolled in LISD campuses has already surpassed the number of students that were budgeted for but according to Turner, enrollment numbers will naturally fluctuate throughout the year.
The proposed general operating budget is liberal for expenses because of uncertainties in the gas, oil and utilities market. Turner noted the October increase in city utilities that The News reported last week. The budget also includes a 3% raise for all LISD employees.
The Board will also adopt a food budget, which Turner conservatively estimated at around $176,000 and includes the free breakfast and lunch program for all LISD students, staff raises, and will ultimately depend on enrollment. “Inflation has really hurt us when it comes to food prices,” Turner said, “but we are still in the black as far as that goes.” The third budget is for INS, which is currently being paid down at a tax rate of 0.1174% and is expected to stay the same. The current 2023-2024 budget is expected to close balanced.
Tax rates are based on certified property values, which the TEA originally based on an MCR of .61669%. That number was reduced to .6669% after additional recapture funds from HB 3 were levied, an overall decrease from last year, though internally we are seeing a 17-18% increase in property values.
The Regular Meeting was called to order by Board President Rick Tisdale, who served as the hearing officer. Public comments were made by Michelle Chance, Katie Burrescia, Lisa Miller, Michael Julienne, and Rebecca Swain - all in favor of keeping the book in question available to LHS students. The 527 page book tells the story of how one summer using the drug crystal meth changes the course of protagonist Kristina Snow's life. It is available in the ‘opt in’ section of the LHS library that is only accessible to students over 18 or with parental consent.
The hearing began after public participation, with Trustee Lance Dilliard recusing himself and Mr. Tisdale explaining the rules of the hearing. Mrs. Bonnie Wallace presented her appeal, followed by a response from Superintendent Mac Edwards. There were no rebuttals. The board adjourned to closed session for 18 minutes then returned to open session, where the motion was denied unanimously. Rob Wilson made a statement before the vote, that after reading the book he deemed it a “cautionary tale filled with character experiences … and does not support or glamorize drug use.”
The room nearly cleared out after the vote, as the regular agenda commenced. Mr. Edwards presented a bond update, citing current enrollment of 1,938. The proposed budget and tax amendments for 2023-2024 were unanimously approved, as was the Resolution to Adopt the Llano and San Saba Counties Hazard Mitigation Plan, an Agreement to Retain Legal Services, the endorsement of Bryan Holubec to the Region 13, Position C vacancy on the TASB Board of Directors, and recognition of the 4-H Organization for extracurricular status consideration.
The next regular school board meeting is on September 23rd at 5:30 PM in the LISD Community Room at 1400 Oatman St.
