The HPISD Board of Directors reduced the district’s tax rate for 2024–25 on August 20 to $0.8669 per $100 of value by adopting the lowest Tier I rate allowed by the state for maintenance and operations.

This is the sixth consecutive year that the county’s tax rate has been reduced. Last year, the tax rate was $0.8927 per $100 of value.

The district approved a Tier I maintenance and operations tax rate of $0.6169. According to the Texas Education Agency, a tax rate in the range of $0.6169 to $0.6855 is allowed to maintain tax rate equity.

The majority of maintenance and operating expenses that cover day-to-day expenses are reclaimed and used elsewhere, Scott Drillette, deputy director of business services, told the board.

Two sources of funding remain entirely within the district. Golden pennies, approved by voters in 2021, make up $0.08 per $100 of the total tax rate and also fund daily expenses such as employee salaries. Interest and principal, the payment of principal and interest on debt, makes up $0.17 of the total rate.

Also during the meeting:

Assistant Superintendent Shorr Heathcote told the board that HPISD has not changed its cell phone usage policy, but will ensure students follow the rule that mobile devices such as smart watches and phones are not visible or used during class.

Vice President of the Board of Trustees Bryce Benson said both his seventh-grader and senior had complained about the increased security.

“I want to say to Principal Reyes and Principal Hunt: Great job,” he said. “And my seventh-grader suggested I should be removed from office.”