Proposed Tax Rate Rules Hearing
On Wednesday, TEA conducted a hearing on the proposed rules for maximum compressed tax rates and the process by which to collect data in order for the Agency to calculate tax rates. Christy Rome testified on behalf of the Coalition.

On behalf of the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts, Brent South expressed concern over the use of April preliminary data, as those estimates do not include the T2 number and other elements that go into certified values. He also pointed out that late filed exemptions can cause significant swings.

Joe Wisnoski testified on behalf of Moak Casey & Associates and suggested the reporting of net taxable value. He emphasized that school districts need certainty and raised questions regarding what will happen if mistakes are discovered once the rate has already been adopted, and he raised concerns over the public notice requirements and whether districts will have time to meet all necessary requirements.

Amanda Brownson testified on behalf of the Texas Association of School Business Officials and called for a method that would allow for districts to have a responsible budget process as well as the ability to call for an election (if needed). She asked that the Agency field test any instrument used to ensure it will work properly given the tight timeline that doesn't allow time for errors. And finally, Dr. Brownson suggested that the Prior Year Property Value Study values be used to calculate rate compression, as that would provide a good statewide data source and greater predictability for school districts.

The proposed rules are aligned with the guidance that TEA provided on this topic, regarding the district submission of preliminary data in May and the TEA calculation of rates which will be available over the summer. You are able to review the language of the proposed rules via the page available in the link below. The agency is accepting comments on these rules through February 18. If you have any questions or concerns about what is contained in the proposed rules, please let us know.

College Prep Assessment Reimbursements
The Texas Education Agency released guidance this week regarding the district reimbursements for the administration of College Preparation Assessments such as the SAT or ACT. Districts will receive estimated funding annually, subject to settle up in the spring of the following year, at a rate of $35 rate per student for school day administrations. National administrations and TSIA rates remain unchanged.

Click here for more information on College Preparation Assessment Reimbursements process and funding implications.  

Keep in mind that if you are a Formula Transition Grant district, these reimbursements will not be on top of that grant amount, but will serve as another means by which to reduce how much grant funding a district requires.  
West Orange-Cove CISD

We are regularly profiling different member districts to give you an opportunity to learn something you may have in common or to learn something new and unique about your peer districts.
School District: West Orange-Cove CISD
Superintendent: Dr. Rickie Harris
Region: 5

Location: Orange in Orange County, is located in deep Southeast Texas. It is the last city on Interstate 10 before you get to Louisiana. West Orange-Cove CISD encompasses three cities: Orange, West Orange, and Pinehurst. 

Student Enrollment: 2,527 students in pre-kindergarten through high school. 

School Campus Configuration: Our campuses are North Early Learning Center (Head Start – PK), West Orange Stark Elementary (K – 5), West Orange Stark Middle School (6 – 8), West Orange Stark High School (9 – 12), and West Orange Stark Early College (9 – 12).

What are your district's points of pride?
  • We are the only school in Orange County with an Early College High School.
  • Our Read and Roll summer reading program where we take our activity buses to different locations in the community to feed our students, and use different student groups to read to students.
  • We are the winningest football program in the State of Texas.
  • We are four-time State Football Champions.
  • We have our own online Mustang store.
  • Big Blue Productions is our student technology team that operates our athletic video boards during football, softball, basketball, and softball games.  

What makes your school district/ community unique?
  • We are considered a property rich district that serves a student population that is over 80 percent economically disadvantaged.
  • We have endured three hurricanes, tropical storms, and river flooding; and we remain a strong community. 


What challenges does your district face?
  • Obtaining certified teachers
  • Educating highly economically disadvantaged students
  • Meeting the needs of the whole child 
Updated Coalition Website
Have you checked out the new look on our website? Make sure to explore what www.txsc.org has to offer, and please let us know if there are tools, resources, and information you would like to see added.

Your e-mail address will give you access to the members area. If you don't already know your password, just click on the link for "Forgot your password?" and you can reset it.
Thank you to our annual sponsors!
601 Camp Craft Road
Austin, Texas 78746
512-732-9072