In Plano ISD, 63 percent of voters agreed Tuesday to a 13-cent increase in their school property tax rate, the maximum allowed by law.
This year, the Texas legislature restored less than one-third of Plano school funding cut in 2011. After tightening its belt, the district still faced cutting about 300 teacher positions and services if the tax rate wasn't increased.
Nancy Humphrey, the Plano school board president, says the vote speaks volumes about Plano’s support for public education.
“Our community demands excellence and we’re very thankful for the voters to give us the opportunity to set this path to keep the edge of excellence that’s expected in our district,” Humphrey said. “Children really deserve this opportunity for greatness.”
The tax increase will add about $194 in property taxes to the average Plano home.