Local chamber, economic development council endorse Fort Bend ISD tax rate election

The upcoming Nov. 8 tax rate election for Fort Bend ISD has received endorsements from two business groups in Fort Bend County, the district announced Sept. 27.

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, an advocate for promoting the county’s economic environment, has joined the Fort Bend Economic Development Council in endorsing the district’s upcoming tax rate election, according to the announcement.

“We are extremely grateful for these two key endorsements from our county’s major business and economic development partners,” FBISD Superintendent Christie Whitbeck said in the announcement. “Fort Bend ISD is one of the best school districts in the state, and we need the support of every sector of our community to keep it that way by maintaining high standards in the areas of academics, quality teachers and staff, safety, and effective, innovative programs.”

The district’s board of trustees approved a tax rate for fiscal year 2022-23 that required voter approval: $1.2101 per $100 valuation.

If approved by voters, that rate would mean the average resident would face a $208 increase on their annual property tax bill, earning FBISD an additional $47.7 million in annual revenue beginning in FY 2022-23.

The revenue has been earmarked to fund additional police officer positions at every elementary school campus, increase teacher and staff compensation to remain competitive with other area districts, and maintain programs of choice that have a demonstrated a track record of success, district officials said.

Not all feedback on the tax rate election has been positive, however, such as for state Rep. Jacey Jetton, R-Sugar Land, who condemned the move during a period of “record-high inflation and declining economy” and encouraged a "no" vote from voters.