School Board sets public meeting date for Aug. 16 on tax rate election

Tax rate election will not raise taxes, but will still bring in more revenue.

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The Pampa Independent School District Board of Trustees met on Monday evening for a regularly-scheduled meeting.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Larry Blair said the School Board set a special meeting to inform the public concerning a Voter Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE) for Aug. 16.

This VATRE is not like any ordinary tax rate election, however, as it does not affect the taxpayers. Outgoing Superintendent Dr. Tanya Larkin has stated in the past that this election will allow the District to generate around $800,000 more revenue from the State.

In a June 29 issue of The Pampa News, it was explained as follows:

“The M&O (Maintenance and Operation) rate is $0.9734, which is lower than the 2020 M&O rate but is the maximum they can set without going through a voter-approved tax ratification election. The I&S (Interest and Sinking) rate is $0.245, which is two cents less than last year’s rate. The Board is considering the idea of moving the two pennies saved from the I&S to the M&O side of the tax rate, which will generate $800,000 from the State but not affect the taxpayers in Pampa.”

Dr. Larkin is quoted following that excerpt, ““It’s a really unique opportunity. We won’t be passing the burden on to the taxpayers but we will be generating more money from the State.”

The following items were also approved:

Consent agenda

• Board meeting minutes: June 24, 2021 and July 12, 2021

• Monthly financial reports

• Quarterly investment report

• Edgenuity program for 2021-2022

• Renewal of NWEA - Measurers of Academic Growth (MAP)program for 2021-2022

• Purchase of Branching Minds software

• 2021-2022 Pampa High School Band trip

• 2021-2022 appraisers and appraisal calendar

• Additional 2021-2022 fundraisers

• Central Texas Purchasing Alliance Cooperative Interlocal Agreement

• Revised 2021-2022 compensation plan

• Contract with the Turn Center for occupational and physical therapy services

Discussion/Action items

• Approve the 2021-2022 Student Code of Conduct and Dress Code

• TASB Policy Update 117

• Approve contracted services agreement for Pre-K/Headstart and Kindergarten programs