Spring ISD approved its 2017 tax rate of $1.51 per $100 valuation at its regular meeting Tuesday night.

SISD Chief Financial Officer Ann Westbrooks said the increase is needed to fund the increased debt obligations associated with the 2016 bond election, which authorized the district to issue $330 million in bonds. A total of $225 million has been issued so far, she said.

This year's 4-cent increase would mean a $57 increase in the annual property tax bill for the owner of a house assessed at the district average of $140,068. The district will see a total 7-cent tax increase to $1.54 per $100 valuation by 2020 as a result of the successful 2016 bond election, Westbrooks has said.

"We are grateful for the bonds that will fund badly needed projects," SISD board President Deborah Jensen said.

Bond projects include three ninth-grade campuses, two middle schools, a new stadium and various technology and maintenance projects in the district.

The board also approved the targeted elements in improvement plans for Clark Intermediate School and Dekaney High School, the two schools that received Improvement Required ratings from the Texas Education Agency this year.

Before voting, the board recognized winners in the district's Hispanic Heritage Month essay and art contests, and three high students read their winning essays in English and in Spanish.

The next meeting of the SISD board of trustees is at 7 p.m. Nov. 14, at 16717 Ella Blvd., Houston.