**Tyler ISD Board Approves $232 Million Budget, Proposes Fifth Consecutive Tax Rate Decrease**
TYLER, TX – The Tyler ISD school board officially approved a General Fund budget of $232,042,959 for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year during its meeting on June 18th. Alongside the budget approval, the district is proposing a lower overall tax rate for the fifth consecutive year.
The proposed maximum total tax rate is set at $0.9900 per $100 valuation, representing a decrease of $0.0635 from the current $1.0535 rate. This breakdown includes $0.6923 for Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and $0.2977 for Interest and Sinking (I&S).
Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford acknowledged the complexities in developing the budget, particularly due to the lack of additional state funding. "Developing this budget was exceptionally challenging given that we did not receive any extra state funding from the Texas Legislative changes, specifically with House Bill 1 failing to pass," Dr. Crawford stated. "This meant no new state money for inflation or significant raises from the state."
Despite these challenges, the approved budget includes a 2% salary increase for all staff members, maintains all current programs, and addresses rising operational costs for utilities, fuel, and supplies.
Funds have also been allocated for key growth initiatives under the district’s "Destination 2030" plan, including the expansion for 9th graders at Tyler Legacy High School and continued development of career and technical programs at Tyler High School. Dr. Crawford emphasized, "Even with flat state funding, we remained committed to prioritizing our staff and students."
Chief Financial Officer Kimberly Barrow highlighted the district's fiscal approach. "This budget reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility while strategically planning for future growth and what is best for our students," Barrow said.
A public hearing regarding the proposed tax rate is scheduled for August 6th at 6:00 p.m. at the Tyler ISD Central Services Building. The board is expected to officially adopt the tax rate on August 20th.
