GAWTP Cites Taxpayer Investments in TISD

TYLER — The citizen activist group Grassroots America – We the People says there’s more to Tyler ISD’s financial situation than meets the eye. GAWTP continues to oppose the TISD bond issue on the November ballot. According to the group, “Those urging voter approval of Tyler ISD bonds eagerly point to the AA rating by Standard & Poor’s, the ‘Superior’ Financial rating by the Texas Education Agency, and Certificates of Excellence in Financial Reporting as everything taxpayers need to know when it comes to how well the District spends our tax dollars.”

A statement from GAWTP Executive Director JoAnn Fleming continues, “While Grassroots agrees these ratings are important, the truth is – the S&P rating is based on the district’s financial strength, which is based on the ability of local taxpayers to foot the bill. The legal language in any bond proposition asserts the authority of the taxing district to levy the tax rate necessary to ensure the timely payment of bonded indebtedness. Holding steady the tax rate on the debt service side of the property tax rate is always dependent upon the stability of the local tax base, property values, and new debt. Superior financial ratings and excellence in financial reporting does not ensure commonsense spending priorities, the wisest, highest and best use of tax dollars, or cost-efficiency.”

Fleming adds, “For example, details found on the Texas Education Agency website spell out disturbing Tyler ISD trends in light of the rapidly growing overall tax burden on local taxpayers from all levels of government.” Fleming says in the last six years, central administrators have seen a 45% increase in pay, total tax revenue per pupil has increased 62%, and total Tyler ISD tax revenue has gone up 71%.

Fleming continues, “This information demonstrates the high level of investment taxpayers are already making in Tyler ISD. Given the growing cost to taxpayers and the outrageous increases in Tyler ISD administrative salaries – much beyond that of classroom teachers and even the state average – taxpayers clearly deserve answers on the bond package and improved facility planning. This ‘pay now and get answers later’ approach is wrong. We cannot and will not overlook it.” The pro-bond Vote Yes Committee did not immediately reply to a request for comment.