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Letter to the editor
Vote for TISD bond Editor: As a 50-plus year resident of Taylor and having had the honor of serving 12 years as a trustee of the Taylor Independent School District, I am writing to share some information with you about the upcoming TISD bond election. I would like to encourage you to become informed about the issues and to vote yes during early voting or on Tuesday, Nov. 4. I have studied this issue carefully and have learned that our district has reached an all-time high in student enrollment, resulting in overcrowding at three of our five campuses. We currently use 18 portables to house students with enrollment predicted to grow by at least 3 percent each year so the overcrowding will only become worse. To address the crowded conditions and to prepare for continued growth, the Taylor ISD Board of Trustees has proposed the construction of a new high school and partial renovation of the current high school campus. This new high school will provide adequate classroom space and required science labs plus common areas for our young people in grades 9-12. Overcrowding at the elementary grades will also be addressed by redistributing grade levels Pre K-8 among the existing campuses, including the current high school. In reviewing the plan, it certainly appears to me to be both reasonable and well planned. Yes, I know this proposal does come with a price tag. Speaking as a senior citizen I also know that we older residents have been paying school taxes for many years. We have paid those taxes willingly so that our children and other children in the district may have the opportunity for the best possible education and a brighter future. I also know that local senior citizens and those with disabilities will be completely shielded from any school tax increase. Yes, we will continue to pay our school taxes just as we have done over the years. However, because the legislature has provided a tax freeze on the homesteads of seniors and disabled persons, higher appraised values or increased tax rate will not affect these two groups. Our school tax bill will remain the same dollar value as in the year we turned 65, assuming you filed for the exemption. And this protection continues for as long as a person - or surviving spouse - owns and occupies a property as a homestead. There is even a provision for transferring these benefits. Over the years our community of Taylor has always come together to solve problems and realize opportunities. Believe me, this is such a time. We, as a community, all of us, have a responsibility and an opportunity to ensure that our students have adequate tools and facilities to provide the best learning environment and a successful future for them. This is why I encourage you to vote yes in favor of this much needed TISD bond during early voting, now through Oct. 31, or on Tuesday, Nov. 4, Election Day. Sincerely, Fred Switzer Taylor
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