SOCORRO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — The Socorro Independent School District is urging voters to approve Proposition A, which aims to address rising costs, including teacher salaries and school maintenance.But if voters say no to the proposition, Socorro ISD warns it could mean cuts to programs and staff in the future.The unofficial results on Tuesday indicate that 51. 31% are against Proposition A, and 48.69% are in favorSocorro ISD Superintendent James Vasquez said, "We'd be investing money year after year to begi...
SOCORRO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — The Socorro Independent School District is urging voters to approve Proposition A, which aims to address rising costs, including teacher salaries and school maintenance.
But if voters say no to the proposition, Socorro ISD warns it could mean cuts to programs and staff in the future.
The unofficial results on Tuesday indicate that 51. 31% are against Proposition A, and 48.69% are in favor
Socorro ISD Superintendent James Vasquez said, "We'd be investing money year after year to begin upgrading some of our aging systems across the district. Also, student laptops, so we'd be using money to invest in our laptops and other operational needs throughout the district."
If approved, the proposition would result in a tax rate increase that the district said would generate approximately $49 million for the district for teacher pay, school maintenance, and other needs.
For homeowners with a property valued at $233,000, the school portion of the tax bill could decrease by about $345 annually if Proposition A passes alongside the state's homestead exemption.
The homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of a homeowner's residence, lowering the amount they pay in property taxes, especially for the school district portion.
However, if voters reject the proposition, homeowners could save around $455 a year, but the district would face revenue losses.
Vasquez warned, "If this does not pass, it's going to be a continued strain on our budget and our fund balance." He added that the district had to take out loans last year, and failure to pass the proposition could impact student programs and teacher positions.
"Last year, we had to take out two loans, one for $25 million, one for $35 million. The interest on that was about $1.5 million. If this does not pass, there'll be a continued need to continue to borrow money," Vasquez said.
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