FBISD calls for VATRE for November |
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The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees approved a resolution calling for a November tax rate election that would provide competitive wages for the district’s teachers.
The tax rate election, known as a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election or VATRE, will take place on November 7, 2023. Funds provided by the district’s successful bond election in May, by law, cannot be used to pay teachers or other staff such as bus drivers, librarians, nurses and counselors.
An approved VATRE would have a $0 impact on property taxes for those with over 65 or disability exemptions unless they have made new improvements to their residence such as an addition or pool.
Click the image above to watch a video message from Dr. Whitbeck.
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FBISD Board set priorities for funds generated by a successful tax rate election
The November 7 election, known as a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election or VATRE, will provide $35 million for the district to afford competitive wages for FBISD teachers.
By law, funds provided by the district’s successful bond election in May cannot be used to pay teachers or other staff salaries, such as bus drivers, librarians, nurses and counselors.
Priorities set by the board to improve pay for all staff in the district are:
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Compensation ($33.1M - All benefits-eligible staff will receive a pay increase.)
- Increase teacher pay to $62,000
- Differentiated teacher step scale at five-year milestones
- Raises effective for all of 2023-24 contract year
- Increase police officer pay $5,742 (9.6%)
- $1.50/hour increase for:
- Classroom aides (8.8%)
- Bus drivers (7.6%)
- $1/hour increase for:
- Auxiliary staff (5.9%)
- Non-classroom paras (4.5%)
- 3% increase for:
- Administrators and business professionals
- Principals and assistant principals
- Directors and above
Safety and Security ($2.5M) - Armed security personnel at all elementary schools
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Public education matters, requires continued support
Public education is a centuries-old U.S. institution that impacts the lives of children, our communities and this nation’s future and it requires continued support now more than ever; that was the message at the 16th Annual Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce State of the Schools.
The event featured a moderator-led Q&A session with the superintendents of the county’s three main school districts; Fort Bend ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD and Stafford Municipal School District.

The three superintendents agreed that local public school systems remain relevant, impactful institutions that need financial, staffing, social and emotional support from the government, community and parents now more than ever.
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Fort Bend ISD bilingual teacher named 2023 Elementary Bilingual Teacher of the Year by the Texas Association for Bilingual Education
The Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) has named Fort Bend ISD teacher Dilma Calles its 2023 Elementary Bilingual Teacher of the Year.
This recognition is given annually to an exceptional bilingual teacher dedicated to meeting the needs of emergent bilingual students while showing outstanding leadership attributes necessary to represent all bilingual teachers in Texas.

“I am honored to receive this award and grateful to have the opportunity to impact the lives of bilingual students,” Calles said. “I don’t teach for the accolades, but it's rewarding to be recognized for doing what I love.”
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District's mariachi ensemble continues growth, provides diverse opportunity for music students
Fort Bend ISD continues to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions of our students, staff and community members from the diverse nations of Latin America and Spain.

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the district’s mariachi ensemble has been touring the community, including the FBISD Administration Building, to share this special music form thanks to teacher Silvia Johnston and her students. Their program was comprised of “De colores,” “Las mañanitas,” and “Arboles de la barranca.”
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Team tennis and water polo teams head to area round of state playoffs
Team Tennis
Clements High School vs. Stratford – Saturday, October 14 at 2 p.m.
- Stratford High School (14555 Fern Dr., Houston, 77079)
Kempner High School vs. Nederland – Saturday, October 14 at 10 a.m.
- Baytown Sterling High School (300 W. Baker Rd., Baytown, 77521)
Water Polo
Girls
Ridge Point High School vs. Cy Creek – Saturday, October 14 at 8:30 a.m.
- CFISD Natatorium (12550 Windfern Rd., Houston, 77064)
Boys
Hightower High School vs. Jersey Village – Saturday, October 14 at 11:30 a.m.
- CFISD Natatorium (12550 Windfern Rd., Houston, 77064)
Ridge Point High School vs. Cy Creek – Saturday, October 14 at 10 a.m.
- CFISD Natatorium (12550 Windfern Rd., Houston, 77064)
Travis High School vs. George Ranch – Friday, October 13 at 7 p.m.
- Don Cook Natatorium (16255 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land, 77479)
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Just for our Active Seniors! Join us to cheer on our class of 2023 seniors at six designated "Senior Night" varsity football games. Arrive early and check in at the Active Senior Welcome Station, located at the northwest entrance, to sign in and receive a special treat.
This Saturday, come out and watch Austin take on Travis at Mercer Stadium!
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Fort Bend ISD will hold an expo to showcase its Career and Technical Education programs housed at the James Reese Career and Technical Center (12300 University Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479) on Wednesday, October 18, at 6 p.m.
These student programs include:
- Audio/video production
- Automotive
- Cosmetology
- Culinary arts
- Education and training
- Health science
- HVAC
- Networking and computer maintenance
- Veterinary medicine
- Welding
Junior and senior students from all 12 FBISD high schools have access to advanced programming at the Reese Center where they have the opportunity to earn industry certifications and dual credit in some program areas.
Students attend classes at the Reese Center for a portion of their school day and attend their home campus for the other portion of their day.
In addition to the career and tech expo, which will include student performances as well as treats prepared by culinary arts students, FBISD Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck will provide news and updates about the district plus a brief presentation on the VATRE-Proposition A election.
The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
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October 18 - Mental Health Supports for Students
Students will explore the comprehensive mental health support offered in their school community.
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Fort Bend ISD’s Whole Child Health Initiative is committed to supporting and developing the mental, behavioral, social, emotional and physical health of all students in the district. Students are best equipped and inspired to pursue futures beyond what they can imagine when these needs and skills are met and developed. FBISD offers a variety of health services and supports for students, staff and their families.
Whole Child Health Initiative will continue its monthly webinar series this school year, now offering resources to both parents and students. Each seminar will focus on a different area of health, and all are aligned to the district’s mission to support the mental, behavioral, social, emotional and physical health of students in FBISD. Visit the Whole Child Health Initiative online to find out more, and to access the previous webinars.
The hour-long seminars will be virtual and no registration is needed to participate. All seminars will begin at 6 p.m.
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FBISD to host showcase event for high school programs of choice
Fort Bend ISD will host a Community Night for its high school programs of choice on Wednesday, October 25 at Marshall High School (1220 Buffalo Run, Missouri City, 77489). The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
All eighth-grade students and families are invited to attend.
Programs of choice offer high school students enhanced academic experiences that prepare them for success in college and their chosen careers. FBISD offers nine programs of choice, including six career and industry-focused academies and three early college high school programs.
- Math and Science Academy at Dulles High School
- Engineering Academy at Elkins High School
- Digital Media Academy and Medical Science Academy at Hightower High School
- Global Studies Academy and International Business and Marketing Academy at Travis High School
- Early College High School at Marshall High School
- Pathways in Technology (Health Science) at Hightower High School
- Pathways in Technology (Computer Science) at Willowridge High School
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FBISD Small Business Enterprise Program to host next vendor workshop on November 3
Fort Bend ISD’s Small Business Enterprise Program (SBEP) will host its next in-person vendor workshop on Friday, November 3, beginning at 2 p.m., at the FBISD James Reese Career & Technical Center (12300 University Blvd., Sugar Land 77479).
This event is open to all small businesses and vendors interested in doing business with the district.
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FOR ALL HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS: SchooLinks has replaced Naviance
SchooLinks is the district's new college readiness platform, designed to help students discover their interests and strength, explore colleges and careers, order transcripts, find and apply for scholarships, and request letters of recommendations.
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Income-eligible families may receive $30 off monthly internet bills, $100 off laptop purchases
The federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program is currently providing income-eligible families with $30 discounts on their monthly internet bills and a one-time $100 discount on the price of laptops and tablets.
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Application for free and reduced-price school meals for 2023-24 school year now open
As a reminder, the application for free and reduced-priced meals for the 2023-24 school year is now open.
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Get Engaged with Collaborative Communities |
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Fort Bend ISD's Shared Dreams program celebrates 35 years of fulfilling students' needs
Fort Bend ISD’s Shared Dreams program is celebrating 35 years of fulfilling the needs of students and their families across the district that require assistance with clothing, food, shoes, school supplies and toiletries.
What is Shared Dreams?
Shared Dreams was created in 1988 to provide basic everyday items to Fort Bend ISD students – provisions that help remove barriers and enable children and their families to have a less stressful school experience.
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Fort Bend ISD seeks Career Day speakers from all industries and vocations
Fort Bend ISD is seeking representatives from all industries and vocations to volunteer to inspire our eighth grade students on career day. Speakers will discuss their career in a classroom setting and share the successes and challenges they have experienced.
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3 WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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BE A HERO!
There are FBISD students who would love to have a mentor like you -someone who takes time with them each week to read to them and talk with them. The time commitment is small - only 30 minutes a week - but the impact is HUGE. Meetings may be on campus face-to-face or virtual. Click here to complete the interest form.
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BE AN ANGEL!
Despite the abundance that exists in areas of the district, thousands of students and their families experience significant economic needs. For 35 years, FBISD’s Shared Dreams program has been working to meet those needs. If you are willing and able to provide a financial donation, clothing, shoes, toiletries, food or school supplies, please visit Shared Dreams online to find out more information.
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BE ENGAGED!
There are a variety of committees and focus groups you can serve on to engage with district leaders about how key programs and projects will be carried out in Fort Bend ISD. If you or someone you know is interested, please take a moment to apply. Your input is requested on attendance boundaries, the district's calendar, and many more! Click here for application.
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FBISD Board of Trustees Upcoming Meetings |
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The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees will host an upcoming meeting on:
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October 16 - Regular Business Meeting, 6 p.m.
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October 18 - Special Called Meeting - Teambuilding/Board Training, 5 p.m.
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Fort Bend Education Foundation Announcements |
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