Conroe ISD Budget Passed: Record Low Tax Rate, 3% Raise

**Conroe ISD Board Approves FY 2024-25 Budget, Proposing Lowest Tax Rate in Over Three Decades**

**CONROE, TX – June 20, 2024** – The Conroe ISD Board of Trustees gave its final approval to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget on Tuesday, June 18, setting the stage for a significant property tax rate reduction that marks the district’s lowest in more than 30 years, alongside a 3% pay raise for all employees. The new budget, which totals $711,280,480 in expenditures, will officially take effect on July 1, 2024.

Perhaps the most impactful aspect for residents is the proposed tax rate of $0.8546 per $100 valuation. This represents a substantial decrease of 6.5 cents from the current rate of $0.9196. Notably, this is a “no new revenue” rate, meaning that even with property value growth, the district is not seeking to collect more in property taxes than it did in the previous year for the same properties.

This remarkable fiscal achievement is largely attributed to a dual effort: statewide property tax compression enacted through the 88th Legislative Session’s House Bill 2, combined with crucial local voter action. In the November 2023 bond election, Conroe ISD residents approved a 13-cent tax rate swap. This strategic move allowed the district to reduce its Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate – which funds daily expenses like salaries and utilities – by 13 cents, transferring that amount to the Interest & Sinking (I&S) fund for debt service. This reallocation provided essential flexibility without increasing the overall tax rate for homeowners.

“This budget is a testament to our commitment to responsible financial stewardship and our dedication to both our employees and our taxpayers,” stated Superintendent Dr. Curtis Null. “Thanks to thoughtful planning and the support of our community in the bond election, we are able to provide a significant tax reduction while still investing in what matters most: our staff, maintaining small class sizes, and ensuring students have a safe and effective learning environment.”

A major win within the approved budget is the allocation for staff compensation. All Conroe ISD employees will receive a 3% pay raise, an effort to ensure the district remains competitive in attracting and retaining top talent in a challenging educational landscape.

Chief Financial Officer Dr. Karen Garza echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the district’s ability to balance priorities. “Despite the reduced tax rate, we have worked diligently to ensure we can provide competitive salaries for our dedicated staff and support the vital operational expenses necessary for our students’ success,” Dr. Garza said.

The formal adoption of the final tax rate will occur later this fall, following required public hearings.

For more information on Conroe ISD’s budget and financial transparency, please visit the district’s official website: https://www.conroeisd.net. Details regarding House Bill 2 from the 88th Legislative Session can be found on the Texas Legislature Online website: https://capitol.texas.gov.