KATY, TX (Covering Katy News) - Voters who live in Katy ISD have denied the district's request to keep its maintenance and operations tax rate at $0.96 per $100 of assessed property valuation.
Katy ISD
School bus
Unofficial results show 54 percent voting against the proposal and 46 percent voting for the plan.
Katy ISD said it would have increased teacher and staff salaries by 4 percent had the measure passed.
As a result of the vote, the maintenance and operations tax rate will be $0.91 per $100 assessed property valuation, in line with state recommendations.
The maintenance and operations tax is just one part of the total Katy ISD tax rate. The total Katy ISD tax rate will now be $1.30 per $100 property valuation.
Following the vote Katy ISD board president Greg Schulte and Superintendent Dr. Ken Gregorski issued a letter to the community. It is below.
November 9, 2022
Dear Katy ISD community,
Yesterday evening, we learned that the Tax Rate Election designed to fund Katy ISD teacher and staff raises and safety initiatives, was unsuccessful.
We knew going into this election that asking our voters to sustain their current school district tax rate in lieu of a 4.7 cent state mandated reduction would be a big ask for our community, particularly during these times of uncertainty as we continue to climb out of a global pandemic and recession. Though, we also know how much our community truly values our teachers and staff. This election outcome, while not what we hoped for, is by no means a referendum on our community’s support for the District and our employees.
It is because of the passion, skill, and dedication that our teachers and staff pour into their work with our children that Katy ISD is a TEA “A” rated district, and the number one school district in the Houston Area. It is the reason every single one of our children have access to unparalleled learning experiences.
We thank you for your insights, feedback, and guidance, and look forward to continuing to work with our families and community toward sustaining the world-class education for which Katy ISD is known.
The unofficial TRE election results can be found on the District website here.
Sincerely,
Greg Schulte, Board President
Dr. Ken Gregorski, Superintendent