The background
Carroll ISD announced four properties listed for sale in a Sept. 27 new release. The district listed underutilized properties for sale or a public-private partnership to provide revenue and long-term benefits amid state funding challenges. The district's website describes a public-private partnership, saying, "A public-private partnership is a contract between a governmental entity [such as Carroll ISD] and a private entity for delivering services or facilities in a cost-effective manner."
In the video, Ledbetter explains that inflation and the lack of legislative action regarding the basic allotment are driving factors behind the decision to list the properties. According to the Texas Education Agency, basic allotment is the legislatively mandated apportionment of funds from the general revenue funds that goes to each school district to provide a basic level of education for the district’s residents. Basic allotment is based on student attendance, and the amount provided per student has remained at $6,160 since 2019. Ledbetter stated that the funding shortages have made it difficult to recruit and retain teachers and that this decision can help provide compensation. Ledbetter noted that Carroll ISD ranks as the fourth-lowest school district in the state in terms of funding per student.
A closer look
The properties listed for sale are:
- 1009 North Carroll Ave.: site of the first schoolhouse built for Carroll ISD
- 2400 North Carroll Ave.: the current administration office for Carroll ISD
- 1301 North Carroll Ave.: property adjacent to Johnson Elementary School
- 200 S. Peytonville Ave.: property across from Carroll Senior High School
Another reason is that the district has not experienced a growth in enrollment, meaning that the properties do not or will not be need to be utilized as campuses in the future.
Ledbetter stated that this decision will provide a short-term revenue source. He added the proceeds from the anticipated sales will be used to balance the budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, along with other budget cuts throughout the district's campuses.
Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations David Johnson also spoke in the video regarding the properties listed for sale. The link to submit a bid for a sale or partnership for the properties is on the district's homepage. Submissions must be made by 3 p.m. Nov. 30, and questions must be submitted no later than 3 p.m. Nov. 2.
Quote of note
"We don't wish for our budget shortfall to negatively affect our academics and opportunities for our students. So please understand that the sale of this property is really a short-term solution to a long-term problem," Ledbetter said.
