Austin Schools Want YOUR Money! Tax Hike Vote on Nov 5th

Hold onto your wallets, folks! Austin school district voters will decide on Nov 5th whether to approve a property tax rate hike by 9.1 cents. That's right, they want $41 million more from your pockets while other districts are tightening their belts.

What's their grand plan with your hard-earned cash? A $17.3 million compensation package for staff, $3 million for instructional coaches, and to plug their $119 million deficit. Because who needs fiscal responsibility, right?

They want you to approve a tax rate of 95.05 cents per $100 of property valuation. That's a 9.1 cent increase from the current rate. If you vote 'no,' your rates stay the same. But if you vote 'yes,' say goodbye to an extra $420 annually for the average homeowner.

And get this, folks, even if you approve the tax hike, Austin schools would still be in the red by $78 million. Last year, they ended with a $52 million deficit. It's like trying to bail out a leaky boat with a teaspoon.

Some board members are frustrated with the state's recapture program, which would snatch about 75 cents of every dollar raised by the tax hike. Austin schools would only keep 25%, with the rest going to property-poorer districts. It's like having your wallet stolen and being told it's for a good cause.

So, what do you get for your money? A $17.3 million compensation package focusing on pay raises for experienced teachers and most support staff. Oh, and two-thirds of the school district police get a pay boost too.

No matter what, Austin schools plan to cut $78 million from the budget over the next two years. They promise to stay "as far away from classrooms as possible," but Superintendent Matias Segura admits there are "hard choices" ahead.

Mark your calendars, folks! Early voting begins Oct 21, and Election Day is Nov 5. Don't miss your chance to tell Austin schools whether they can dip into your pockets again.

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