El Paso ISD tax rate to stay the same; new high school named

The El Paso Independent School District’s budget shortfall will not be affecting taxpayers. At Tuesday’s board meeting, managers learned the district intends on keeping next year’s tax rate the same as this year.

Right now it’s a $1.04 for maintenance and operating and costs, and $0.1950 for the debt, for a total of $1.235 , or about $1.24 per $100 of home valuation.

District officials said based on recommendation from the Central Appraisal District, valuations are lower this year, which means the district could see $3 million less next year.

Although the rate will not be officially set until August, interim CFO Art Martin said homeowners shouldn’t expect any surprises on their bill.

“The intent on the agenda is to leave the tax rate flat, no increase no decrease, the tax rate will stay the same,” Martin said.

The next discussion on the tax rate will be on June 17.

The district also approved the naming of a new high school in Central El Paso at 2851 Grant Ave. It’s called College, Career and Technology Academy. CCTA is a county-wide campus that addresses the needs of older students up to age 26 who failed to graduate.

This service was previously offered at Sunset High and the School Age Parent Center, and by combining them into one school, including additional average daily attendance funds from the state, the district said it will see a savings of $1.5 million.

District officials also said their early retirement incentive program has led to 222 teachers and staff members opting to retire or resign this year. Employees were offered a $2,500 bonus for submitting their resignation early. The open positions will be filled by the 172 teachers displaced due to the budget shortfall. Incentives for early retirees is costing the district about $500,000.