Photo by JP Eichmiller
The board of trustees approved the district's budget for fiscal year 2014 on Aug. 27, keeping the property tax rate even with the existing level.
The rate, which stands at $1.67 per $100 of valuation, includes $1.17 for maintenance and operations, and 50 cents for the interest and sinking rate, which helps pay off district debt.
Revenue from the tax rate will support the school's projected expenditures of $52.9 million. Money raised from taxes has also allowed for the reinstatement of two elementary counselor, music and art teacher positions, adding two custodial positions, removing co- and extracurricular expenses for students and providing transportation for students in the district's Legacy Program.
"When we have money to move around and start new programs ... it makes a really big difference in the level of education we can provide," HISD Public Information Officer Emily Grobe said.
