Bryson ISD keeps tax rate nearly the same

BRYSON – School board members here were able to keep their tax rate the same and approved it and the 2020- 21 budget during the regular meeting Aug. 31.

Superintendent Greg London said property values for both maintenance and operations (M&O) and interest and singling (I&S) both dropped significantly, M&O dropped $14.5 million from a year ago to $153,218,048 while I&S fell $15.3 million from 2019 figuresto $219,686,050.London said keeping the M&O rate the same at 96.64 (actually a slight decline from 97 per $100 and I&S the same at .44 per $100 will help maintain the overall rate.

Revenues and expenditures are balanced at $3,105,585.

In other news, The board approved the Policy 115 Update from TEA. London said the new changes made board members and teachers aware about what they can report on sexual harassment, can’t discriminate on the benefit of sex. London said the district can also change its attendance taking time which it will move to second period.

The board also approved4-H adjunct faculty for the county for the school year including Alinda Cox, Charlie Martin, Sheila Birdwell, Travis Thorne and Micah Hawkins.

Reports from the athletic department and school were given. Athletic Director Jason Briles said numbers are good with the athletic programs this year, particularly on the junior high level.

The varsity football team will face five Top 25 teams before the season is complete in November. Briles has worked with the teams on their motto – GRIT (Greatness Resides in Teamwork) after not seeing the kind of teamwork in his troops over the last several years.

“We’re trying to come together in some of our core values,” Briles said. “We’re also working on a book study as a team.”

Briles said he also hopes to get involved with more of girls’ team dinners and spend some more time on the other side of the fence.

Principal Gary Kirby said enrollment is at 256 students, which is a big boost from the 240 the school ended with last Spring. He said the kids in classes are happy they are here and in class.”

We’re just going with the flow in many cases