Kimberly Del Angel
Staff Writer
Video by Adam Borel

Coppell Independent School District holds a legacy of high academic distinctions. Among these is Coppell High School’s ranking in the Top 500 best high schools in the nation out of 21,500 schools according to U.S. News and World Report. It also consists of 13 “Exemplary” campuses and one “Recognized” campus. Texas Education Agency (TEA) tittles CISD an “exemplary” district, and awards CISD with 10 gold performance acknowledgements. CISD hopes to keep its quality standards with The Tax Rate Election (TRE).

Ever since the Texas House Bill froze district revenues for Texas’ schools at the 2005-2006 level with no inflationary factors, CISD has experienced financial issues. The only minimal relief provided to districts was in 2009 when the legislature provided an extra $120 per student (also required mandated raises), and no financial relief is anticipated from the State in the 2011 Legislative session.

New revenues that CISD receives only come from growth in student enrollment and through tax rate increases. In result the district has begun to indebt itself; in 2008-2009 $1.44M of the General Fund Balance was consumed, and this past year the budget defect was a rough 3.8M.

“Dipping into these funds puts schools behind money wise makes it more costly for us, as the parents of students, because the school can no longer fund as many things,” Parent of three, Michelle Hernandez said.

In result, CISD is created the TRE which will be an increase on Home Taxable Value. This is an increase of $.13; for example, a $275,000 home will cost approximately $339 annually ($28 monthly). Generally $.01 above $1.06 will be generate between $345,000 and $360,000 (net of recapture); so, the $.13 rise will be generating $5.28M net of recapture. Seniors citizens that are 65 years and over are not subject to this tax increase.

“In simpler terms your monthly six cups of Starbucks Coffee or monthly pedicure and manicure will be going towards your Home Taxable Value,” Chief Financial Officer Kelly Penny said

These tax rates are essential for The Maintenance and Operations (M&O) which is what provides salaries for educators, utilities, supplies, insurance, and equipment. Maintaining a healthy fund balance is also essential; as the district’s saving account it must remain financially healthy to maintain excellent credit and Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) ratings. This fund balance will cover cost of operations without borrowing, provide flexibility in uncertain financial times, give the district the ability to cover unexpected costs, and save taxpayers money on bonds.

If the TRE fails, the results will be impactful on CISD. This would consist of: larger class sizes, restructure of the high school’s instructional day, impact future
raises, fewer extra and co-curricular courses, and either the reduction or elimination of
non-mandated courses (art, athletics, literacy, music, etc.). As well as the elimination of
12 positions at middle schools (4 at each middle school), ($660,000), 6 positions at Coppell High School ($330, 000), and 5 other including 1 central administrator ($291,000).

CHS principal, Brad Hunt said, “These cuts are hurting our extracurricular opportunities along with the class sizing. If there are fewer teachers, this results with less volunteers to run our extracurricular programs.”

But when presented with the facts other Coppell residents like sophomore, Lindsey Hiles disagree with the financial stability of our school,
“It appears that our school district is financially dependent, and these taxes would just furthermore tarnish Coppell’s financial inconveniences.”

On the other hand if the TRE were to be passed, students would have more
opportunities within schools; with the consistent expansion of new extracurricular activities as well as courses, and updated technology like Smart Boards and Macbook Pros would be able to be provided more to students. Over-crowding can also be eased to the highest degree, with a bigger staff and smaller classroom sizes. Coppell resident, and father of three students, Wayne Barnes understand the need of this proposal to be passed,

“Our family personally understands why we need these tax rates to increase. We have one daughter who plays the violin, and since there is no longer a strings program to be offered, we would hate to see anymore of the arts programs cut.

But where will your money be going? CISD board president Cindy Warner said,

“If the TRE is passed then this money will be organized into the general fund to pay teachers, electricity and other basic necessities. It will be managed and controlled by the super intendment, chief of financial office, and the school board.”

Coppell residents that are 18 years or older, and are a registered voter in Coppell are all encouraged to participate in this election on September 11th. For the convenience of residents multiple early/mobile voting sites will be available at 10 CISD campuses as well as Town Center/Coppell City Hall. For the complete list of locations and dates click here.