The Friendswood ISD board of trustees met on Monday, July 17 to move forward on several agenda items. Here are the top four takeaways from the board meeting.

1. FISD trustees set a proposed tax rate.

The FISD board of trustees agreed to set a proposed property tax rate of $1.367 per $100 valuation, which comprises $1.13 for the maintenance and operations and $.237 for debt service. If passed, this will result in a 2-cent decrease over last year's rate. “I am very comfortable with the two pennies [decrease],” FISD board president Rebecca Hillenburg said.

2. FISD trustees set the budget, tax rate approval date and hearing on Aug. 14.

During the board’s August meeting, the board will discuss the proposed budget and the proposed tax rate. The meeting will conclude with the adoption of the 2017-2018 budget, which is expected to be $49.6 million. The district is considering adding $750,000 to the budget, for a total budget of $50.4 million. The funds would come out of the district's surplus reserves. While CFO Connie Morgenroth is planning for the additional cushion, she doesn’t foresee the district spending the full $50.4 million during the 2017-18 school year. “I don’t think we will be spending the full surplus. We usually make up that amount,” Morgenroth said.

3. Connie Morgenroth was appointed as assistant superintendent of business and operations.

Morgenroth, who was the district's CFO, was given a new title Monday night; she was named the assistant superintendent of business and operation, effective immediately. In her new role, Morgenroth will oversee business office, maintenance, food service, transportation, tax office and benefits as well as other duties as assigned by the superintendent. Morgenroth has served as an FISD administrator for 17 years, the last four of which as CFO. “FISD is a wonderful place to work and I have really enjoyed my last four-and-a-half years, and I’m looking forward to working with Mr. Roher,” Morgenroth said.

4. Some students that reside in the Lakes at San Joaquin subdivision can now attend FISD schools.

Students who reside at 2301, 2303 and 2305 Nilelake Court in the Lakes at San Joaquin subdivision will now be able to attend FISD schools. “It would be good for the kids who live there until they could access Clear Creek ISD,” Superintendent Thad Roher said. So far, there are four children on Nilelake Court who were not zoned to either CCISD or FISD schools. “It came down to what was best for the kids,” Hillenburg said.