Fort Worth area school district asks voters for help, says it can’t wait for state funding

The Northwest school district is growing rapidly, but it isn’t receiving enough funding from the state to increase teacher salaries and take care of other needs.

The district, which takes in Tarrant, Wise and Denton counties, is holding a Voter Approved Tax Tate Election , or VATRE, Nov. 5, calling for a 3-cent increase to the maintenance and operations portion of the property tax rate to bring in around $16 million in additional funds.

Early voting starts Oct. 21, and the last day to register to vote is Oct. 7.

If the higher tax rate takes effect, the owner of a $500,000 home would see a tax increase of $120 per year.

Superintendent Mark Foust said in an emailed statement that the school district adopted a budget with a $15.8 million deficit despite “rampant inflation and inaction from the state Legislature over the past six years to address public school funding.

“Our school board called a VATRE to maintain our current levels of services that our families and community have come to expect. We are no longer at a point where we can wait for action at the state level to address funding shortfalls affecting public schools across Texas.”

The school district is also growing rapidly, and the funds are needed to stay competitive with teacher pay raises, maintaining class size ratios and adding and maintaining student programs,.

Foust also said that school districts throughout the state have cut positions and eliminated student programs to balance their budgets.

Most of the districts’ operating budgets go toward salaries, and in the Northwest school district, 84% of the operating budget goes toward staffing.

Tough decisions will have to be made if there is no funding increase, Foust said.

Northwest has grown by 1,200 students a year for the past 20 years. It is expected to remain a fast growing district for 30 to 40 years.

Northwest also sends millions to the state each year as it is a “recapture” school district. The tax dollars collected from the voter approved tax rate increase will stay in the school district.

Community meetings

The Northwest school district is holding community meetings about the proposal.

Sept. 30, 6 p.m.: Northwest High School cafeteria, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin.

Oct. 1, 6 p.m.: Eaton High School performing arts center, 1350 Eagle Boulevard, Haslet.

Oct. 2, 6 p.m.: Byron Nelson High School, 2775 Bobcat Blvd., Trophy Club.

Oct. 9, 6 p.m.: Chisholm Trail Middle School, 583 FM 3433, Rhome.