Houston Schools sets levy rates, discusses projects

Members of the Houston board of education met Tuesday night to set the 2024-2025 levy rates and discuss current projects.

Board members agreed to submit tax forms to the state auditor for review and approval of the operating levy at $2.75 and the debt service levy at $0.80 – a combined levy of $3.55 per $100 of assessed valuation. This represents no change from the 2023-2024 levy. A $160,000 principal payment of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2013 – a payment necessary to remain at the $0.80 debt service levy – was approved by the board.

By executing the prepayment, the district will save taxpayers approximately $7,680 of interest expense, according to Dr. Justin Copley, superintendent.

Copley told board members that there are 22 new staff members on campus – including 14 first-year teachers, four new to the district teachers, two returning teachers and two Exceptional Child Cooperative (ECC) employees.

Copley also updated the board on projects around campus. Current projects include Early Childhood Center pavilion trim on Hill Street, asphalt, Tiger Stadium railings, electric in the agriculture shop, HVAC installation in the ECC and Houston Alternative Learning Opportunities (HALO) progress on First Street. Additionally, the building trades house at 513 Primrose Lane in Houston sold to Denton Chipps for $315,000.

In other matters, members:

• Approved the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) 2024B update as amended.
• Set rates for adult breakfast and lunch for the 2024-2025 school year to $2.37 and $3.54 respectively. Students will receive free meals.
• George Sholtz spoke to the board regarding recognizing businesses and individuals that support the district.
• Approved the Career and Technical Education Enhancement Grant in the amount of $23,983.45 from the grant and $30,941.25 from local funds. Last year, local funds were approximately $35,000. The funds will assist the Piney River Technical Center on Spruce Street.
• Approved the Annual Secretary of the Board (ASBR) report, the district/coordinator list and summer school program evaluations.

School begins Wednesday, Aug. 21. The next board meeting is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10 in the high school library.

The full minutes can be read here:

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