Socorro School District approves 2016-2017 budget

The Socorro Independent School District approved its budget and tax rate during its Tuesday meeting.

Trustees voted to keep the tax rate the same, but because property values have increased in the district, the average homeowner can expect to pay extra $10, or $1,314 annually.

The district’s chief financial officer, Tony Reza, explained the district wanted to hold down the tax rate for property owners.

“It’s still the same from the last five years. It’s $1.27 (for every $100 dollars in home valuation), however due to the increase in house valuations we are expecting a modest increase of about $10.05,” he said.

The board approved a $425 million budget for the 2016-2017 school year.

Late Tuesday, trustees were still meeting in executive session. Among the items they were discussing was Superintendent Dr. Jose Espinoza’s annual evaluation. Dr. Espinoza has been at the helm of SISD since September 2012.

The district serves 45,200 students at 47 schools in East El Paso, the city of Socorro and Horizon City.