FISD accepts donations, maintains tax rate

During its regular Sep. 11, 2017 meeting, the Forney Independent School District Board met and (this is the preliminary report, subject to change):

• Pres. Bell announced now that the FISD has over 10,000 students, TEA requires them to put video of meetings on their website, and he suggested attendees do their best not to be the next YouTube video :-) .
  
• Principal Ms. Sondra Floyd presented Secondary Student-of-the-Month Corinne Taysom from Warren Middle School
  
• Principal Ms. Nancy McElroy presented Elementary Student-of-the-Month Gianna Groshans from Johnson Elementary School
  
• Held Public Hearings:
  
  • The School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST): John Chase, CFO, presented the FIRST scores: the FISD scored 94 of 100.
    There was no public input.
    
  • 2017-2018 TAX RATE: Mr. Chase discussed the process to arrive at the tax rate: adopting the budget, public notices of the proposed tax rate, 1.54 same as previous years. There has been a 15% increase in property values, but that might not translate into additional funds due to state funding. Surrounding ISDs tax rates range from 1.67 in Royce City ISD to 1.36 in Mabank ISD.
    There was no public input.

• Recognition and Acceptance of Donations:
  
  • Mr. Steve Whiffen, Forney High School Principal thanked the PTO, stating they have raised over 18,000 in last couple years. They are converting unused space to a science lab, thanks to the donations. Tonights' donation by the Forney High School HARES PTO is $8,000.
    
  • Ms. Leslie Rader, Crosby Elementary School Principal led the donation by the Crosby Elementary School Principal Fund of $12,359.
    
  • Ms. Barbi Donehoo, Rhea Elementary School Principal spoke about the donation by the Rhea Elementary School PTO of $11,347
    
  • Pres. Bell thanked the PTO's for their donations, and called for a recess.

• additional details to follow...