Lovelady ISD Proposes Relief for Rising Prices

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

LOVELADY – Voters who live within Lovelady Independent School District (LISD) will vote for a change to local school taxes in the November election, forced on the district by both lapses in state funding and the rising costs in the country. 

At a public meeting Monday, Sept. 30, LISD Superintendent Wendy Tullos explained to several dozen members of the public how the district is funded, why the district is requesting the increase and what the money will be used for. 

Tullos began by welcoming several LISD board members, along with representatives from Houston County Appraisal District, saying her goal was to address any and all questions regarding the upcoming vote.

“I know as a taxpayer, these are questions I would want answered: what will this do to my taxes?” Tullos began. 

Tullos explained how different funds are used by school districts in different ways, such as some funds for monthly expenses, and others to pay debt for bigger projects. Tullos said LISD has seen its costs of operations rise over the last few years, just like people have seen costs rise in their own lives. 

“We’re extremely frugal in this school district. Small school districts have to stretch their dollars and we’re very mindful of that,” Tullos said. “From 2021 to 2024, our utility costs have only increased by 8% but that’s due to having locked in a lower utility rate. Our fuel costs have increased by 26%. We travel our busses farther than any school district around here because we cover large areas. Insurance costs increased 35%.”

Tullos also pointed out passing the three cent per $100 of property value would also trigger state funds, multiplying the money LISD would receive – something they would not get if voters do not approve the measure. 

“If the increase passes, these funds may only be used for day-to-day facility repairs, salary increases, utility costs and insurance costs. The unique thing is, if this passes, our local tax dollars will generate state dollars,” Tullos said. “Our taxpayers would generate $126,000 of the total and the state contribution would be $254,000. So, for every $1 our taxpayer pays, the state will send us $2 more.”

LISD is in a unique position, Tullos said, sandwiched between two larger districts, and constantly competing to keep salaries and benefits competitive, to attract the best teachers to the district. Tullos also mentioned some of the many others who make the school day possible, such as custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, administration and many others. 

A measure passed last year by the Texas legislature increased the homestead tax exemption from $40,000 to $100,000 and all Lovelady ISD taxpayers are already frozen on what they pay with their homestead expedition. As any property owner will tell you, it’s the appraised value of properties which has shot up across the state, something which schools don’t benefit from, even while taxpayers may be paying more. 

“I’m a taxpayer, too, and I know we’ve experienced increases in our home values, but unfortunately, when local revenue goes up, state revenue goes down,” Tullos said. “Because of this formula, school districts remain revenue neutral. When our values go up, it does not mean the school is getting more money. It means the state contribution simply goes down.”

The Messenger has reported several local school districts are operating with a deficit budget this year, due to the state formula for schools, in spite of rising costs. Tullos said even with the “three penny” increase, Lovelady tax payers are actually paying less than just a few years ago. 

In 2014, for example, a home valued at $124,000, paid about $1.04 per $100 valued, or about $1,128. If the measure passes, that same home would be valued at $180,000, but owe only $0.8559 per $100 valued, or $682. 

Tullos seemed to make an impact on the crowd, finishing to applause and no questions from the public. She invited people to contact her office if they have any further questions or concerns. 

Early voting runs from Monday, Oct. 21-Friday, Nov. 1. Election day is set for Tuesday, Nov. 5. 

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]