JISD approves budget, tax rate

Jacksboro ISD board members approved the 2021-22 budget which comes with a slight decrease in the tax rate during a special meeting Aug. 31.

The maintenance and operation (M&O) tax rate dropped from $0.9664 to $0.9634 per $100 valuation, while the interest and sinking (I&S) tax rate remained the same at $0.46 cents. The district approved a 5% pay raise for all employees, which will add $1,046,693 to this year’s budget and a new salary schedule which could in many cases make the district more competitive when it comes to hiring new teachers.

Approximately $800,000 of the salary increases will be countered with the ESSER monies the district received. The district is expected to use its regular revenue to purchase two new vehicles, including a bus, as well as new scoreboard for the football stadium.

Much of the discussion during the 90-minute meeting centered on coaching stipends, which Athletic Director Brannon Rodgers had brought to the board’s attention during the regular meeting Aug. 9. Assistant Superintendent Brad Burnett said stipends in the district had not changed in 20 years, but many things have.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Sept. 8, edition of the Jacksboro Herald-Gazette.