On November 16, 2017, Dew ISD Board of Trustees voted to follow in the footsteps of almost 60% of the districts in the state of Texas and call a Tax Ratification Election (TRE.) The purpose of the election is to enable the district to raise an approximately $125,000 of additional state funds.
“State funding used to finance our school district is becoming more limited as time goes by,” according to Dew ISD Superintendent Darrell Evans, “Three main factors are the basis of this issue.
First the reduction of state aid to all districts through the elimination of Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction (ASATR).
Second, the ongoing decline of local property values. Finally, the continuation of Chapter 41 or Robin Hood finance, where so called rich districts have to send locally generated funds back to the state to finance poorer school districts.”
The 2017-2018 tax rate for Dew ISD was $1.29007. If the TRE passes, the total tax rate will be $1.17 in 2018-2019. How can the district receive more funding while the tax payers pay less? The answer to that question is because Dew ISD has paid off ALL bonded indebtedness at this time. In 2017-2018, tax payers paid $.25007 to pay off that debt. Now it is paid off and those funds are not needed at this time. If the TRE fails, the total tax rate will remain $1.04.
The district plans to use the additional funds generated by the TRE to enhance educational opportunities for all students, remain competitive in the hiring and retention of highly qualified teachers, and to continue to maintain all current facilities at an exceptional level.
Early voting begins on Monday, October 8th from 8A-5P and continues until Friday at the school. Election Day is set for Monday, October 15th,, 7A-7P, also at school.
Mr. Evans states, “Any interested stakeholder in Dew ISD that has a question or concern is welcome to call the school at 903.389.2828.”
An informative brochure was mailed to each Dew ISD registered voter’s household. If the District missed anyone with a brochure, feel free to call the school and we would be happy to mail one to them.
