What to know
WISD Chief Financial Officer Garrett Matej said the district will issue the total amount of $87.7 million because the taxable value of homes in Willis ISD could be reduced by an increase in the homestead exemption under Senate Bill 4, which was signed June 17. Matej said the higher homestead exemption would result in less tax revenue, so it would be more advantageous to issue debt before that takes effect Sept. 1.
Senate Bill 4 raises the statewide homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, applying only to taxes levied by public schools, as previously reported by Community Impact.
In May 2024, voters approved a $102.7 million bond, as previously reported by Community Impact. The bond will fund the Willis High School ninth grade expansion with parking lot upgrades, a new transportation center and funds for general infrastructure.
The board previously approved a total of $45 million for its transportation center and part of its ninth grade center at an April meeting.
What else?
Willis approved June 9 the design for its ninth grade center, including a new gymnasium. The district also approved the new set of bleachers for its athletic program with a quote from Outdoor Aluminum for $137,268 for six sets of bleachers that can be moved.
Stay tuned
The next board meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. July 9 at the Sharon Hill Jennette Administration Building at 612 N. Campbell St. in Willis.
